How would you like to adopt one of a limited number of 15 gallon to 2” caliper sized trees that is purchased, planted in the right-of-way, monitored and pruned in its early years by the Urban Forestry Department? You can receive all of the benefits provided by a tree such as reduced energy costs, erosion prevention, beautification, storm water runoff control, air filtration and a greater sense of wellbeing basically for free. All that you have to do is agree to water this tree (an irrigation bag will be provided) for two years until it has established a strong root system and can fend for itself. Read on for more information about this great partnership between the City, the Edmond community and the urban forest. If you are interested in participating, find out what you need to do to register.

Why is the City of Edmond offering to plant these trees?

The City of Edmond Urban Forestry Department has an assistance program that mitigates risk to public safety through removal of trees on the public right-of-way that are at high risk for failure. The Urban Forestry Department recognizes that trees provide countless benefits which are lost upon tree removal. However, the Urban Forestry Department also recognizes that in order to protect the citizens of Edmond, trees sometimes must be removed. This allows for the planting of new trees that have a greater potential to provide benefits more effectively. The Urban Forestry Department is adamant that replacing the removed trees is as important as the aforementioned removals, in order to protect tree diversity, canopy cover, forest health, and to provide more benefits to future generations of Edmond residents.

The City of Edmond “Foster a Tree” Program will help the Urban Forestry Department to achieve these management goals while replacing tree benefits lost at the time of tree removal. If at all possible, tree replacements will be planted in the right-of-way in front of the same properties where trees have already been removed. However, sometimes there is a lack of space or the adjacent property owner declines to participate in the program. For this reason, the “Foster a Tree” program is open to all Edmond residents on a first come, first serve basis. Register as soon as possible to get on the list for a “foster tree”!

What will the Urban Forestry Department do?

• Recommend a tree size class according to available planting space and provide a list of species within that size class for the property owner to choose from.
• Plant one tree per person/entity per tree establishment cycle (unless you are a neighborhood group - see below).
• Contact OKIE for locating and marking of all underground utilities.
• Purchase and plant the species selected by the property owner. Plant stock will be in compliance with specifications for City of Edmond landscape installations. All trees will be planted within the street right-of-way.
• Monitor the tree periodically to perform training pruning and other major maintenance.

Where will replacement trees be planted?

• Within the street right-of-way (area between property line and the street)
• Trees will only be placed where they will have space to mature without causing conflict with utilities, other trees, infrastructure, etc.
• Adequate space and appropriate replacement tree size are to be determined by the Urban Forestry Department.
• Properties must be within Edmond city limits and must be located on public streets.

What must the property occupant do?

• Commit to the full two year term of the City of Edmond Tree Replacement Agreement.
• Complete the online registration form and submit it to the Urban Forestry Department.
• Select a tree species based on the list provided by the Urban Forestry Department. The species list will include trees within a size class identified by the Urban Forestry Department for the site.
• Mark any lawn irrigation lines to avoid damage during planting.
• After planting, perform basic maintenance according to the Foster-A-Tree Maintenance Guide for two years (guide includes instruction on watering, mulching, avoiding tree stress and defects to look for).
• Protect the tree from damage from mowers, weed eaters, pets, construction, or anything else that could cause the tree harm.
• Notify the Urban Forestry Department of any major maintenance needs (such as pruning) or tree problems (such as dieback, insects, disease, and damage).

Can My Neighborhood Sign Up to Receive Foster Trees?

• Yes!
• Any trees planted in the right-of-way adjacent to a common area, in a median or neighborhood entrance, or any area where lawn maintenance is managed by the neighborhood association must be under a Foster-A-Tree agreement with that specific neighborhood group.
• A maximum of five trees are available to neighborhoods per maintenance agreement (two years).
• As with individual participants, all neighborhood foster trees must be planted in the street right-of-way.
• When using the registration form for a neighborhood group, be sure to make note of the association's name somewhere in the form.

Register Now or Contact us soon to discuss “fostering” a tree and help us to enhance Edmond’s beautiful urban forest.