Tree Trust replaces trees lost in North Minneapolis tornado

Tree Trust replaces trees lost in North Minneapolis tornado

Beginning September 1, we will offer 300 trees to homeowners in North Minneapolis who lost trees on their property during the May 22, 2011 tornado. This project, part of our North Minneapolis Reforest Project, is funded by grants from State Farm Insurance and Xcel Energy Foundation, and an in-kind donation from Bachman’s Nursery. Other project partners include the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Homeowners in the area affected by the tornado will have the opportunity to obtain up to two trees per property. Trees may be purchased for $20 each, or homeowners may attend a free, one-hour workshop on proper tree planting and tree care to have the fees waived. Tree Trust will offer three separate workshops in late September. Those who wish to attend a workshop must indicate this at the time of order.

Four species of trees will be available for order. Varieties available are: Prairiefire crabapple, Autumn Brilliance serviceberry, Northern hackberry and Royal Star Magnolia.

Orders will be accepted online (www.treetrust.org/orderhere) and by mail from September 1 through September 15 at 5:00 p.m. Mailed or hand-delivered orders must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 15 at Tree Trust (2231 Edgewood Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN 55426). Starting September 1, paper order forms can be printed from the website or picked up at Farview Park (621 29th Avenue North) and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board headquarters (2117 West River Road) during their normal business hours.

PLEASE NOTE: The ordering website will only be accessible from September 1 through September 15.

Tree pick up will take place on Sunday, October 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Monday, October 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board headquarters (2117 West River Road). Trees must be claimed during the pick up or the purchaser will forfeit the tree and money paid. If the purchaser is unable to pick up the tree they are encouraged to make arrangements to have someone else pick up their tree on their behalf. There will be NO REFUNDS for trees that die.

Volunteers will be available at the pick-up location to help load tree(s) and a complimentary bag(s) of mulch. Tree Trust will plant a limited number of trees for those unable to plant their tree. These trees will be planted by Tree Trust staff and trained volunteers during a planting day in early October. Those interested in having their trees planted must indicate this at the time of order.

You can help further our efforts to replace more trees in North Minneapolis by volunteering with us and/or making a tax-deductible donation. (Designate your gift to “Trees for City of Minneapolis”).

For questions about the project, contact Diana Preisen, Community Forest Specialist at Tree Trust, dianap@treetrust.org or 612-590-1421.