Program Overview



Portland’s Co-Op Program is a tree-planting partnership where Portland residents purchase a tree at one of three  local nurseries. Portland’s Forestry crew will pick up the tree and properly plant it for you. The tree must be in view of the public and planted along city street right-of-ways. Trees can be planted within the street ‘right-of-way’, between the sidewalk and street, or setback on lawn areas in view of the public. Trees must be purchased by Monday June 1st as trees are planted during the month of June only. 

The goal is to plant the 'Right tree - in the Right space'. 
 
Residents purchase the tree at one of Co-Op Nurseries before June 1st and the Forestry crew picks up the tree at the nursery and properly plant the tree in June. Co-Op Nurseries supply quality plant material, often at discount, to the Co-Op Program and provide a guarantee. Nurseries will care for your tree until it is picked up and delivered to the planting site.  

Process
Step 1: Tree Selection
Review recommended tree list, web references and consult with Co-­Op nursery staff. Keep in mind the desired tree characteristics along with the site conditions.  

Step 2: Tree Purchase
Visit your local nursery and check out the trees on your list. Once you purchase your tree the nursery will tag it and set aside until planted in early June.  

Step 3: Registration Form
We need to have your form in order to plant ! Return the Co-Op Program Registration Form  to Portland Forestry prior to June 6th to 55 Portland Street, Portland ME 04101, email to jst@portlandmaine.gov.

Guidelines

• Trees can be planted in the street "right of way" in tree­wells, esplanades or 
  setback on front or side lawn areas of your property, in view of the public, between 
  the home and the street.
• Location - Trees should be planted at least 10' away from intersections, utility
  poles, hydrants, driveways and traffic signals. This includes tree-belts or esplanades
  and tree wells. Sidewalk tree planting grow spaces need to be 3.5 feet wide
  minimum for 1.75” trees & the remaining sidewalk ADA accessible. Avoid future tree
  / utilities conflict both underground and overhead. All tree locations are sent to ‘Dig
  Safe Systems’ for clearance prior to planting. ‘Set back’ panting behind the sidewalk
  on lawn area is best in heavy traffic roadways or where overhead utilities exist.
  NOTE – private underground utilities, underground irrigation systems and dog
  fences are the responsibility of the property owner.

• Tree Selection -­ Street­trees are selected from our Recommended Tree List, trees in set­back or lawn locations are more flexible.  Tree sizes range from 1.5” to 2.0” caliper for shade trees, 4­6’ height for conifers.
• Purchase Trees by June 6th at one of the local Co-Op Nurseries.
• Planting is limited to two trees per year.