Free trees offered to select La Mesa residents to draw shade, clean air

Planting a tree with non-profit Tree San Diego. Photo Credit: Tree San Diego. Credit: Tree San Diego The city of La Mesa is hosting a series of free in-person and online events for residents to get directly involved in expanding the community’s urban tree canopy.  The city is partnering with the nonprofit Tree San Diego to host events that will teach residents how to steward and care for their own trees. The events will run from September through November and include a free tree giveaway for 100 households on Oct. 25. The series of events is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to its Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The series is aimed at creating a healthier, cleaner and more beautiful community.  The city has done one-off tree events in the past, but this is the first time it is hosting a series in partnership with Tree San Diego.  Growing La Mesa’s urban forest Elektra Fike-Data, executive director of Tree San Diego, said that the city saw the opportunity to boost the urban forest by collaborating with local residents.  Hilary Ego, La Mesa’s environmental sustainability manager, said that the city manages trees in public spaces, such as parks and sidewalks, but recognized the need for more on private property.  “To reach our tree canopy goals, we need people to plant in their homes and their yards,” Ego said.  Planting a tree on a property has many benefits. A mature tree even increases property values.  “There’s just a myriad of benefits to installing a tree on your property,” said Fike-Data. “What we’re hearing most from the community is that they want more shade, they want less heat and they want cleaner air.”  Residents also will have the opportunity to learn about trees in La Mesa and the benefits they provide. The Tree Trek event on Oct. 11 is a walk around La Mesita Park with an arborist to identify the different trees and their benefits. The event is suitable for kids and is ADA accessible.  The first 100 residents who arrive at the giveaway on Oct. 25 will receive a free tree. Tree San Diego will note each one that is planted on an interactive Tree Plotter map that tracks and calculates the eco-benefits of each.  “You’re learning about your local environment, your backyard,” said Fike-Data. “Getting involved with your community is everything.” Event details La Mesa residents who attend events on Sept. 27 or Oct. 11 will be entered in a drawing for a free 5-gallon fruit tree. Here are the locations: Sept. 27 – Planting, steward training, Harry Griffen Park, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 11 – Tree Trek, La Mesita Park, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 – Free tree distribution, La Mesa Public Works Operations Yard, 10 a.m. to noon. Nov. 8 – Steward training, virtual webinar, 9 to 10 a.m. Those who wish to attend must register at Tree San Diego.  To receive a tree at the Oct. 25 event, submit a request form in advance. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please note, the request form does not guarantee a tree. (Tree event flyer courtesy of city of La Mesa)