Free Trees for Southwest Philadelphia
Trees as restorative justice
Working with neighbors to plant and maintain community trees is vital to the future health of Southwest Philadelphia.
Tree Crew Interns, members of the Southwest Tree Coalition, program partners, and Bartram’s Garden staff in June 2023. Photograph courtesy David Schneck/Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Why care for neighborhood trees?
Although the 50 acres of Bartram’s Garden contain many significant and beautiful trees, appropriate levels of tree canopy are not present in many areas of the city, including our Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood. Trees are an integral part of our city’s infrastructure and should be treated as such. The presence of trees in a community improves environmental health, physical health, and mental health; having trees in a neighborhood also correlates to reduced crime rates and protection against urban blight.
Systemic racism has devastated landscapes, rural and urban alike. Cities have suffered enormous amounts of air, water, and noise pollution, with ensuing negative impacts on health and mental well-being. Philadelphia has a tree canopy coverage of only 20%, with as little as 2.5% in some areas. In 2023, the City set a goal of expanding citywide tree coverage to 30%–we’re working with neighbors and paid youth interns to strengthen tree canopy right here in Southwest Philly.
Tree Crew Interns, Moms Bonded by Grief, and Bartram’s Garden staff after planting a new memorial grove together in November 2021. Photograph courtesy of Kromah Studio.
Southwest Tree Coalition Leaders
Are you a Southwest Philadelphia resident who is passionate about planting trees, cleaning up the neighborhood, and connecting with neighbors? Join the Southwest Tree Coalition Leaders!
For more information, please contact trees@bartramsgarden.org.
About the Southwest Tree Coalition
Founded in 2021, the Southwest Tree Coalition is a partnership among local residents, Bartram’s Garden, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Tree Tenders working together to restore Southwest Philadelphia’s tree canopy. The goal is to encourage a healthy, comfortable, and beautiful neighborhood while building better relationships with our neighbors as a Tree Tender group.
Members of the Southwest Tree Coalition receive free access to PHS Tree Tender Trainings and work with Bartram’s Garden and PHS to support new tree plantings and community clean-ups.
The Southwest Tree Coalition coverage area extends from 49th Street to 65th Street, between Chester Avenue and the river.
General Activities
No previous experience is needed–only enthusiasm for a healthier, greener Southwest Philadelphia!
Tree Coalition Leaders will each receive an honorarium of $1,800 for their one-year participation. Activities include:
- Take the free PHS Tree Tender Training course and become certified Tree Tenders
- Serve as a resource for Southwest Philadelphia neighbors around tree education and tree sign-up forms; submit forms to Bartram’s Garden or PHS directly when needed
- Collaborate and plan for the future of the Tree Coalition, including volunteer recruitment
- Participate in twice-annual community planting days alongside Bartram’s Garden staff and Tree Crew Interns
- Engage with neighbors and individual networks within the Southwest Tree Coalition coverage area (49th Street to 65th Street, Chester Avenue to Lindbergh Boulevard) to get residents involved in tree planting and care by designated deadlines
- Sometimes attend workshops or table at community events on behalf of the Tree Coalition
- Identify and maintain ways to engage with residents physically and digitally (social media posts, listserv messages, flyer distribution, community meeting participation, etc.)
- Attend 9 monthly meetings per year
Important Dates for 2023-2024 Program
- Application Deadline: August 25, 2023
- Program Dates: September 2023 through May 2024
Do you want to hear about tree giveaways and planting opportunities?
Bartram’s Garden partners with the Southwest Philadelphia Tree Tenders to support adding trees in our neighborhood: between 49th Street and 65th Street, and south of Chester Avenue. If you live in another area of the city, contact Tree Philly for tree resources in your neighborhood.
Tree Interest Form
Please fill out this form to get notified of future tree distributions, giveaways, or planting opportunities. Assistance is available for selecting and planting your tree.
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You may also be interested in:
Resources for Growing & Learning
Are you learning to grow your own food or plants? Check out our resources for growers and gardeners.
ROOTS Tree Crew & SW Tree Tenders on Instagram
Follow us for tree news and updates in Southwest Philly.
Youth Programs
Calling local students! Paid youth internships available.
Botanic Garden & Natural Lands
America’s oldest preserved botanic garden is still growing.
Tree & Shrub Map
Find your favorite trees and shrubs within these 50 acres.
Shop Plants from Our Nursery
Bring our garden home to yours. Shop plants and seeds from our nursery year-round at the Welcome Center or online. Seeds can be shipped; all plants are pickup-only at Bartram’s Garden. Discounts available for Southwest Philadelphia neighbors and Bartram's Garden members!
