Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) announced open registration for the Spring 2016 TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways on Friday. Hosted in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and TD Bank, the giveaways are open to property owners to obtain and plant up to two free trees in a yard or lawn on private property.

Registration is open through April 10, and a variety of species are available, including large shade trees, small flowering trees, and fruit trees.  

“I encourage all residents to register for a free tree,” Kenney said in a press release. “Trees provide essential services to city residents; cleaning our air and water, cutting down on our heating and cooling bills, and adding to our sense of community.  Every Philadelphian deserves to have a healthy tree canopy in their neighborhood."

TreePhilly's efforts are in direct response to the City of Philadelphia's sustainability goal to increase tree canopy coverage to 30 percent in all neighborhoods, so everyone can benefit from the increase shade, cleaner air and water, and beauty that trees provide. TD Bank has signed on as a three-year sponsor of the TreePhilly program.

Residents can register to pick up their free yard tree at one of four special giveaway events across the City in April. Detailed information on all available species can be found at Tree Philly's website, and participants can choose their species when they register online or over the phone. Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed at the end of each event while supplies last. Participants will also receive a planting and care demonstration provided by tree experts, free mulch, and educational materials.

“Thanks to TreePhilly, residents have become passionate about planting and caring for trees. We look forward to working over the next three years with TD Bank as a corporate partner,” PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell said.  “I also want to thank all the community organizations that have been working with us for the past four years to help promote the TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaway program; their grassroots support has helped TreePhilly reach many more people than we could have on our own.”

New this year, TreePhilly is announcing a Philly “Tree Trek,” a social media contest in which one lucky winner will be chosen to have Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin help plant their tree. Participants can follow Philly’s Celebri-Tree, “Bud”, on social media as he explores Philadelphia landmarks before he finds his forever home.  Residents can enter the #PhillyTreeTrek social media contest on Twitter, Instagram and Vine.

PPR also announced the winners of the Spring 2016 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants. Grantees will receive either 50 or 100 trees from TreePhilly, as well as a $500 grant.

“We’re excited to have TD Bank as our new partner for 2016. Their enthusiasm and support of TreePhilly will continue to help the program thrive, improving the quality of life for current and future generations of Philadelphians,” John Gattuso, president of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, said.