The Neighborhood Tree Program was initiated in 2014 to help increase and diversify the tree canopy in McLean. Photo courtesy of MTF
Spring is right around the corner, and the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF) is accepting applications from homeowners for its Neighborhood Tree Program. MTF’s program encourages homeowners to plant a native tree in their front yard to add to the beauty of their neighborhood.
After an application is completed (mcleantreesfoundation.org) and sent to MTF, volunteers visit the homeowner’s property to discuss the program, evaluate a planting site in the front yard, and help the homeowner select a tree. Homeowners are guided in the planting process and given instructions on how to water and nurture their tree. The cost for the tree is $50.
MTF was founded in 1970 as a semi-autonomous committee of the McLean Citizens Association before incorporating in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization. This year marks its 50th anniversary of preserving, planting, and maintaining trees in the McLean community.
The Neighborhood Tree Program was initiated in 2014 to help increase and diversify the tree canopy in McLean. It is the only educational tree program in Fairfax County designed to help homeowners. Since the program’s inception, more than 70 trees have been planted in different McLean neighborhoods.
“As neighborhoods change and grow, and older trees are removed due to disease or other issues, it is important to bring new trees into those neighborhoods,” said Brenda Frank, MTF Chair. “Trees, in addition to their beauty and the shade they provide, help to feed and shelter birds, and they are a major factor in improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff and erosion.
MTF maintains and enhances the urban forest of the McLean community through several different tree planting programs. Over its fifty-year history, MTF has planted thousands of trees and shrubs in the McLean business district, parks, school grounds, traffic islands, along roadways, and in residential neighborhoods.
“Trees do so much to enhance our environment, contributing to our health and well-being in many ways,” said Chairman Frank. “Trees not only beautify our town but they help to create a sense of joy and tranquility. I hope that as we celebrate our fiftieth anniversary year, more homeowners will participate in our McLean Neighborhood Tree Program.”
For information on the McLean Trees Foundation and to receive an application, visit MTF’s website mcleantreesfoundation.org and click on “Neighborhood Tree Program.”