EAST PTOVIDENCE —  East Providence is accepting applications to the setback tree planting program for the second year in a row.

After a successful pilot program in 2022, the city is again offering free trees to homeowners through the Setback Tree Planting Program this spring.

The goal of the program is to plant shade trees on private property where trees have more room to grow and a better chance of survival, while providing a number of benefits.

Through the program, trees are planted in the front or side yard, within 20 feet of the right-of-way (edge of road). Properties of eligible applicants will be assessed for adequate growing space.

Trees are purchased and installed by the Department of Public Works Parks Division, free of charge to homeowners. Installation of a tree is dependent on meeting eligibility requirements, adequate site conditions, and availability of trees and funding.

If you are interested in participating in the program, please fill out the form below and submit it by March 1. Any applications received after the deadline will be waitlisted for the next round of tree planting this fall.

Trees, properly placed around buildings, can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 to 50 percent in energy used for heating, according to the USDA Forest Service.

East Providence, through funds approved by the City Council, plans to plant at least 200 trees in 2023. Tree species will be selected based on site conditions (i.e. amount of growing space, presence of overhead wires, proximity to buildings, etc.)

Available species include Crabapple, Hawthorn, Cherry, Tree Lilac, Hedge Maple, Red Maple, Pin Oak, Sweetgum, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Black Tupelo, River Birch, Ginko and Zelkova.

“Trees provide oxygen, clean the air, combat climate change, conserve energy, prevent soil erosion, provide healing, create economic opportunity, provide a habitat for wildlife and create a canopy to help to shade our homes and streets by breaking up urban heat islands and releasing water vapor through their leaves, but they also lessen the cold winds, which ultimately lower residents’ heating costs,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

Once homeowners apply, the properties will be reviewed to avoid the planting of trees within five feet of water, sewer or gas service. The most appropriate native tree species will be selected based on the property’s location and utility lines.

Interested residents must fill out the form found at https://tinyurl.com/426ft62z. Interested property owners should complete and submit the form no later than March 1. The submissions will be reviewed by the East Providence Planning & Economic Development Department and Parks Division.