PORT ANGELES — There’s good news for tree lovers in Port Angeles — the city is handing out free trees to residents on Saturday on a first-come, first-served basis.
The city shade street tree program opened its application process in July, allowing individuals to register for up to four scarlet oaks/American red oaks, Garry oaks/Oregon white oaks and Katsura trees.
Applications closed Sept. 6, but program creator Paul Forrest said there were still about 50 trees unspoken for. Those trees can be claimed this weekend.
On Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, pre-registered individuals can choose their trees at Port Angeles City Hall’s covered east entrance and east parking lot, 321 E. Fifth St.
“It’s open selection,” Forrest said. “It’s like going out to cut your own Christmas tree.”
If individuals haven’t pre-registered, they can still show up with the possibility of receiving up to four trees. To ensure eligibility, on-the-spot registrants must be homeowners, according to a city press release.
Forrest said on-the-spot registrants should show up after 11 a.m., as they won’t be able to choose their trees until all the pre-registrants have arrived.
“I hope they all find good homes,” Forrest said.
The trees must be planted within a public right-of-way near residents’ homes. City staff will work with registrants to identify which tree would be appropriate for the location.
Once a tree has been claimed, that individual is responsible for planting, watering, pruning, leaf raking and general upkeep.
Individuals also can volunteer to help distribute or plant the trees if they want to go “above and beyond the call of duty,” Forrest said. Those interested in volunteering can show up and ask how they can help.
The goal of the street tree program is to expand the city’s tree canopy in residential areas, according to the press release.
The program is in its second year. Last year, the city handed out about 140 English oak, golden rain and Japanese pagoda trees.
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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.
