TREE PLANTING 101:

One of the most common inquiries SOSNA receives is: “I want to plant a tree outside my house, but don’t know where to begin.” This page is meant to help neighbors assess their options, and reach a decision about the method that works best, given the location of the home, economic considerations and urgency.

Before deciding to plant a tree, one must understand the pros and cons, as well as the responsibilities once the tree is in the ground. It is our belief that the benefits greatly outweigh possible detriments. Street trees have many benefits, like increasing property values and reducing energy costs. But some have roots that invade foundations and piping, but these negative effects can be mitigated by intelligent planting and sizable tree pits. Trees are not one-size fits all – the appropriate species varies based on the street.  Check out the basics of Tree Maintenance below in the "CARING FOR YOUR TREE" file.

Once a new tree is in the ground, it is technically city property, and it is supposed to be maintained by the Fairmount Park Commission (FPC). However, FPC is understaffed and underfunded, so it’s vital that homeowners know the basics of tree maintenance. SOSNA encourages all residents to sign up for the TreeTenders program, administered by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS).

New trees require anywhere between 10-20 gallons of water per week for the first two years they are in the ground. After the tree is well-established, homeowners are encouraged to maintain a tree pit garden in further attempts to beautify their block.

Now that you understand the basics of tree installation and maintenance, let’s review your options for planting a tree. Historically, one has had three options, each with varying costs and timelines for installation:

1. Fairmount Park (FREE/6 months – 2 years): This option simply requires you fill out a Service Request Form (available below), and checking the box for requesting a new tree. The upside of this is that it’s free and you don’t have to worry about any approvals or permits; the downside is that you have no control or idea of when your tree will actually be planted. When your form is submitted, it’s added to a long list of similar requests, and FPC deals with these requests in the order they’re submitted.
2. PHS TreeVitalize (FREE/7 months): This fantastic program allows for free, expedited tree planting administered by PHS. Simply fill out an Application Form for either a Spring or Fall planting season, and do so as an individual, a group/block, or as part of neighborhood-wide effort through SOSNA. The upside is that it’s free and quicker than FPC. The downside is that it still takes months – for example, to get a tree planted in the Spring 2010 planting season, the application had to be submitted by August 3rd.  Information on TreeVItalize can be found here.
3. Private Contractor (~$300 per tree/ASAP): If you don’t want to wait for the city and have the cash to spare, this is the quickest way to get a tree in the ground. SOSNA’s obtained a list of FPC-approved contractors who do the job right, and said contractors take care of most everything in the process – they get permission from FPC, the clear the site through the state’s CallOne system (which maps underground utilities that might interfere with the planting), and get it planted. Some contractors, it should be noted, do not do individual trees, preferring only to plant in larger groups. Check the file below containing these contractors' contact information.
   

However, now you have a fourth option - the SOSNA STREET TREE PLANTING MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM, which will help you get a tree planted quickly at limited cost.  Information on the program is available here. 

Call 215 732-8446 or stop by 1901 Christian Street with any questions.

"100 Trees for South of South" is an on-going tree planting program that has far exceeded the original goal of planting 100 trees.

As funding becomes available, crews are formed comprising of volunteers and paid workers, trees are purchased, and residents on the waiting list receive their sidewalk trees.

The program stretches funding by using donated equipment (by area businesses), volunteer labor, and the PA Horticulture Society Plant Sale tree stock.

Emphasis has been on the long term survivability of the trees. Larger tree pits are recommended (standard is 5' x 4') because that forestalls surface root problems and provides better oxygen and water infiltration. Larger tree stock (1.75"-2.5" caliper) that are mostly native tree species are purchased because they tend to be more adaptable to our climate and also provide wildlife values (butterflies, birds etc.).

Residents can get on the "SOSNA Tree List" by providing the SOSNA office with all your contact info (send to andrewd@southofsouth.org). If you'd like to volunteer for tree planting duty mention that too. 

SERVICES/PERMITS
STREET TREES

Q: Who is responsible for the trees on my street?
A: The Fairmount Park Commission is responsible for all street trees in the City of Philadelphia. The Commission accomplishes this responsibility through the use of private contractors.

Q: What kinds of trees may I plant along my curb?
A: The Fairmount Park Commission has put together a list of approved trees which will thrive in an urban setting, have a good track record, and won't interfere with overhead wires. If you plant a large species under electric wires it may need severe "pruning" by the utility company. Before planting, you'll need to get a permit from the Street Tree Management Division who must approve the species and the site.

Q: How will a newly planted tree affect my sewer, water lines, sidewalk and/or building's foundation?
A: If you choose the correct tree, site and planting conditions, your tree shouldn't interfere with you sewer, waterline, etc. Most tree roots grow in the soil's top 12 inches and spread well beyond the tree's canopy in search of water and nutrients. They don't "attack" underground mains, unless these are already damaged, providing entrances for developing roots. An adequate and generous tree pit, or long narrow continuous "tree lawn" will provide the best conditions for establishing and maintaining a "well behaved" street tree with the environment needed to survive in the city.

Q: Where can I get help once I agree to plant a new street tree?
A: Fairmount Park will plant a tree for free after the site has been inspected and the correct species determined. Contact the Street Tree Management Division at 215-685-4363 for more info.

Q: How do I take care of my tree?
A: Adequate site preparation and maintenance (free of weeds), mulched and watered (5-8 gallons each week for the first two years), stakes (to prevent damage from automobile doors and the like) and pruning (best left to Tree Tenders or professionals). For additional information click here.

Q: Should I fertilize my newly planted trees?
A: This is not necessary as a properly prepared tree pit or lawn will provide all the nutrients your trees will need.

Q: Can I plant flowers or other things in the pit?
A: Planting annuals or other plants in the tree pit is not recommended. Other plants will compete with the tree for water and nutrients.

Q: Who's responsible for pruning a mature tree or removing a dead one?
A: Fairmount Park can prune and/or remove your street tree. An Arborist will inspect your site and recommend proper service. Pruning and removals are performed on a first come, first served basis using available funds.

Download Fairmount Park's Tree Maintenance Citizen Service Request Form (PDF)