DeKalb homeowners will have an inexpensive option to add shade and beauty to their front yard this winter. Recently the DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved “Releaf Dekalb”, a front yard tree planting program that partners with Trees Atlanta. For $25, homeowners in unincorporated DeKalb can have an overstory tree professionally planted in their front yard between now and March.

“Releaf DeKalb will help restore the tree canopy in DeKalb County and provide valuable benefits for everyone”, said Commissioner Kathie Gannon who sponsored the legislation. DeKalb hopes to have 400 trees planted over the first two winter planting seasons of the program with some trees for rights-of-way in commercial corridors and other County owned properties. Funding is from the existing tree bank account which comes from private developers when they are unable to meet tree planting requirements.

Trees Atlanta has similar programs in other cities. “We have found that front yards are an excellent opportunity to enhance the tree canopy in metro Atlanta,” said Mike Vinciquera from Trees Atlanta. “Most front yards have excellent growing conditions, and they will help shade houses, sidewalks and streets.”

Trees offer many economic and environmental benefits. They can reduce energy costs for homeowners and reduce stormwater runoff for the community. They add value to homes and perhaps most importantly they soak up carbon dioxide, helping to reduce climate change. “Trees planted from this program will mature in the next 15-20 years, which will help us survive in the severe weather that is predicted,” said Gannon.

Homeowners can choose from oaks, maples, beech, elms and several other over-story trees which provide the greatest benefits for both people and wildlife. Trees Atlanta will make site visits to advise homeowners on the right tree for the right location. They will then plant the tree and provide the homeowner with instruction on watering and care. The new trees will be 6-8 feet tall when planted and valued at $250. Pines and small ornamental trees are not available.

Visit here to see Trees Atlanta Yard Tree Species Availability List for DeKalb County.

For more details and to sign up for Releaf DeKalb, the front yard tree program go to: https://www.treesatlanta.org/yardtree/.