City Hall: Green Streets Program accepting applications

Nov. 4—THE CITY'S PARKS, Recreation and Cemetery Division has announced the launch of Manchester's Green Streets Program, a partnership between the city and residential property owners to expand the Queen City's tree canopy.

The city will offset 50% of the cost, up to $800 per property, to purchase trees from a contracted vendor and professionally plant them in approved locations.

The city can plant between 25 and 30 trees per year, but there is a limit of two trees per property over any 12 months.

The planting schedule is established as applications are approved and payment received. Property owners are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and care of trees.

Residential properties include multi-family and apartment complexes, not commercial or institutional properties.

The program cannot be used to meet site plan or subdivision requirements. Participants must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner.

The city does not guarantee the lifespan of the trees planted and will not issue refunds or provide replacements for trees that die.

The city will not reimburse residential property owners for trees planted outside this program.

City officials say the diversity of the urban tree population is essential to the success of the program.

"A variety of trees within a city creates a resilient urban forest with less potential for devastating effects from a pest or disease," an entry on the city website says. "Our focus is to help you get the right species in the right places with the right care so that the trees survive and thrive."

A list of approved tree species and their costs:

—American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): $1,555.00 per tree; property owner pays $777.50 for the first tree and $2,310 for two.

—American Chestnut (Castanea dentata): Not available for purchase at this time

—American Elm (Ulmus Americana): $1,055 per tree; property owner pays $527.50 for the first tree and $1,310 for two.

—American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana): $1,355 per tree, property owner pays $677.50 for the first tree and $1,910 for two.

—Crabapple Cultivars (Malus): $1,075 per tree, property owner pays $537.50 for the first tree and $1,350 for two.

—Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides): $1,050 per tree, property owner pays $525 for the first tree and $1,300 for two.

—Hophornbeam/Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana): $1,415 per tree, property owner pays $707.50 for the first tree and $2,030 for two.

—Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulate): $1,355 per tree, property owner pays $677.50 for the first tree and $1,910 for two.

—Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba): $1,675.00 per tree, property owner pays $875 for the first tree and $2,550 for two.

—Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra): $1,205 per tree, property owner pays $602.50 for the first tree and $1,610 for two.

—Northern White Cedar (Thuja ocidentalis): $835.00 per tree, property owner pays $417.50 for the first tree and $870 for two.

—Sargent's Cherry (Prunus sargentii): $1,025 per tree, property owner pays $512.50 for the first tree and $1,250 for two.

—Thornless Honey-Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis): $1,205 per tree, property owner pays $602.50 for the first tree and $1,610 for two.

—White Oak (Quercus alba): $1,105 per tree, property owner pays $552.50 for the first tree and $1,410 for two.

—White Spruce (Picea glauca): $1,245 per tree, property owner pays $622.50 for the first tree and $1,690 for two.

For more information and a link to apply, go to manchesternh.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Green-Streets for more information and a link to apply.

Paper applications for the program can be sent to: Department of Public Works, 465 Valley St., Manchester, NH 03103.

In September, Manchester received a $2.2 million grant from the Urban and Community Forestry Program through the U.S. Forest Service for an urban forestry project.

"This is a game-changer for Manchester," said Mark Gomez, whose Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division oversees the city's urban forestry unit. "We are ecstatic about what this means for quality of life in Manchester and the healthy expansion of our tree canopy."

Key components of the project include:

—Tree planting and maintenance: The grant will fund the planting and maintenance of trees throughout Manchester's disadvantaged neighborhoods, promoting cleaner air, improved aesthetics and enhanced overall well-being for residents.

—Restoration and resilience: Manchester will undertake extensive efforts to restore and fortify its urban forests against environmental challenges, such as extreme weather events, ensuring the longevity and vitality of the city's green spaces.

—Workforce development: This initiative will create employment opportunities and workforce development programs, fostering skill-building and job opportunities for community members in the field of urban forestry.

—Planning and community engagement: The project emphasizes community involvement in decision-making processes related to urban forestry. Residents will have the opportunity to contribute to the planning and implementation of tree-planting initiatives in their neighborhoods.

—Extreme heat mitigation: The project will actively address the growing concern of extreme heat in urban areas by strategically planting trees to provide shade and reduce heat island effects, making Manchester a cooler and more comfortable place to live.

Paul Feely is the City Hall reporter for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. Reach him at pfeely@unionleader.com.