Trees available for area hit by Joplin Tornado

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin’s Parks and Recreation Department reminds homeowners affected by the May 22 tornado that a tree replacement program is available for their use to gain shade and natural beauty to their repaired or new homes. Thousands of trees in Joplin were destroyed during the May 22 tornado.

Originally introduced in September 2011, the City’s tree replacement program has provided thousands of trees to homeowners located in the storm-damaged area that have completed the rebuilding or repairs to their home. And the City has still more trees to help property owners who experienced property damage from the tornado, but has not yet received trees through the City’s program.

“We have a good inventory of trees to offer and encourage homeowners to take advantage of this free opportunity through a large number of generous donations designated for the replacement of trees,” said Assistant City Manager Sam Anselm. “Trees are a wonderful asset to a home as well as to our community. Rebuilding is occurring throughout the City and re-establishing an urban forest is an important step in the process.”

To receive the donated trees, homeowners need to complete an application at the City’s Parks office, 3010 West 1st Street, located just west of Schifferdecker Avenue, or at Duquesne City Hall. The application is also online at www.joplinmo.org/treeapp . Citizens may indicate on the form if they need assistance in planting their trees. It is preferred for residents to be available when volunteers arrive to help with the planting, so as to direct the specific location of the trees. At the time of planting, trees will be three foot to six foot tall. The City reminds residents that all tree location sites should be selected with utility lines and lateral lines in mind.

The donated trees will be a species on the City’s Tree List included in the recent ordinance passed by the Joplin City Council. This ordinance will provide the basis for this project moving forward. The City’s Tree List can be found on the City of Joplin’s website at www.joplinmo.org . This program is to help residents replace lost trees on their property. Information about planting in public rights-of-way in residential neighborhoods will be provided at a later date.

For an application to receive trees...