Local news- Press Release
Sarasota Parks and Rec Florida - Tree incentivization program returns with new name new species 22 February 2024 ( news )
Sarasota Parks and Rec , state Florida ( By Press Release office)
Feb 22,2024
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Media Contact:
Jan Thornburg , Communications General Manager: 941 - 650 - 9693
jan . thornburg@sarasotafl . gov
Sarasota , FL: The City of Sarasota’s popular tree program that incentivizes single family homeowners to purchase a mature tree for their property at a significantly reduced price is back , with a new name and new tree species .
The Neighborhood Canopy Program , formerly the Mature Tree Program , funds up to $500 of the cost of purchasing and planting an approved mature tree when a homeowner meets a $100 minimum deposit requirement for the program .
City of Sarasota homeowners can select from five new tree species:
Bald Cypress
Holly
Magnolia
Pink Tabebuia
Southern Red Cedar
Palm trees are not included in the program .
Program participants will purchase the tree through the City’s vendor whose team will work with City staff to determine the best placement of the tree between the front plane of the house and right - of - way . In most cases , planting under utility lines will not be allowed . The homeowner will own the tree and be responsible for care and maintenance .
Approximately 150 trees will be funded and planted on a first come , first serve basis for the Spring 2024 season . The deadline to submit the minimum $100 deposit is Sunday , March 3 .
The program is limited to one tree per resident per calendar year .
The tree list for Fall 2024 is already approved:
Live Oak
Green Buttonwood
Ligustrum
Orange Geiger
Royal Poinciana
The deadline to submit the minimum $100 deposit for the Fall 2024 planting season is Friday , Aug . 23 .
Program details and Frequently Asked Questions are available at
www . Sarasotafl . gov/Neighborhood - Canopy - Program
Since its launch in February 2020 , the mature tree incentivization program has funded the planting of 150 mature trees throughout the city .
The program is funded through the City’s Tree Mitigation Fund , which collects a portion of tree removal permit dollars to be used specifically for urban canopy programs .
In addition to beautifying the community , trees provide significant benefits including saving energy , cleaning stormwater runoff , reducing greenhouse gas emissions , cleaning the air , lowering the urban heat island effect , providing wildlife habitat , and improving overall health and well - being for people .
Contact information
Residents interested in participating in the Neighborhood Canopy Program should email
NeighborhoodCanopyProgram@sarasotafl . gov
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About the City of Sarasota:
Distinguished by U . S . News and World Report as the No . 5 Best Place to Live in the U . S . and the top place in Florida , the City of Sarasota is a diverse and inclusive community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 55 , 000 year - round residents , several internationally recognized cultural arts venues , stunning sunsets along Lido Beach , newly restored Donald Ross - designed municipal golf course , and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles . Learn more about us at
www . SarasotaFL . Gov
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