Old Brooklyn Tree Planting Program

Old Brooklyn Reforestation Program, funded by Cuyahoga County & the Cleveland Tree Coalition

Let’s Reforest Old Brooklyn!

Did you know trees do a lot of good for the community?

They can cool your home, lower utility costs, slow traffic, reduce noise pollution, beautify the neighborhood, and more. Read below to learn about OBCDC’s reforestation work and how you can get a tree planted in your yard for free!

  • Since 2019, Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation has planted hundreds of trees in residential yards and public parks. We have been awarded funds from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission & the Cleveland Tree Coalition to plan, plant, and maintain neighborhood trees & form a resident Tree Steward Network. In partnership with Forest City Ecological Services, Holden Forests & Gardens, and Western Reserve Land Conservancy, we are working with residents to increase the neighborhood tree canopy while equipping residents with the tools and information they need to care for their own tree.

    • To increase Old Brooklyn’s tree canopy so that residents can experience the benefits trees bring such as improved air quality, more shade, increased property values, lower utility costs, and much more.

    • To train neighborhood residents with the resources and information they need to care for existing tree canopy as Old Brooklyn Tree Stewards

    • To empower residents with the knowledge and training they need in order to properly care for their tree and those around them.

    • You must sign a Planting Pledge

    • You must live in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood

    • There needs to be space in your front yard for a tree

    • You must be able to physically care for your tree (watering/mulching). If you are unable, please reach out to the Old Brooklyn Tree Stewards to coordinate assistance!

    • Trees must be planted on private property - no tree lawns.

    • If you rent your home, you must get written permission from the property owner to participate.

Trees planted through this program are NOT planted on tree lawns.

Tree lawns (the strip of grass between the street and sidewalk) are owned by the City of Cleveland and require permits to plant. Trees planted through the Old Brooklyn Reforestation Program will be planted on private property only.

If you would like to request a tree lawn tree from the City of Cleveland, you can do so by filling out this form.

What to expect

When you sign up for the OB Reforestation Program, you will receive a free tree that will be planted in your yard for free by a professional arborist. There are a few things you will have to do on your end before the team can plant on your property:

  1. Sign a Planting Pledge. Before we can add you to the list, it is required that you sign a Planting Pledge. Please read this pledge carefully. By signing, you agree to and are saying you understand all that is written on it. If you are unsure about something in the pledge, please call Brittney at 216- 505-1686.

  2. Size up your yard & get your tree stake. An Old Brooklyn Tree Steward will connect with you to chat more about tree placement and bring by your tree care guide and tree stake to mark the spot. They will inform you as to what size tree might work best for your yard!

  3. Choose a tree. Depending on tree steward tree size recommendation, you will have an option of 2-3 trees to choose from.

  4. Call 811! By dialing 811, you can find out where the underground pipes or lines are located in your yard. They can come out and flag the areas where not to dig. This is especially important when planting trees for both the tree’s quality of life and yours.

  5. Put a stake in the ground to let us know where to plant. When you sign up for the program, OBCDC will give you a stake. This stake will be used to mark where you want the tree to be planted. If there is no stake in the ground, the planting team will not plant the tree.

  6. Planting time! Once your tree is chosen, 811 has been called, and the stake is in the ground, the planting crew will order your tree from the nursery and come out to plant your tree. They will plant in the exact spot that the stake is left, so please make sure it is in the correct spot! This is very important.

  7. Care for your tree and watch it grow! Each tree will come with a packet of maintenance information (like how often to water, how much to water, when to trim, how to mulch, etc). Please follow these guidelines carefully when caring for your tree. Click here to view the instructions online.

Questions? Want to sign up?

Contact Brittney at 216-505-1686 or TreeStewards@oldbrooklyn.com, or fill out the Interest Form below and Brittney will reach out to you with more information.

Private property only. We do not plant on tree lawns.