Pick up free tree at annual Plant a Tree Day

Need a leafy addition to your yard? The city of Post Falls is giving away free trees April 7 in the fourth annual Plant a Tree (for FREE!) Day.

Residents of Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Hayden are invited to Q’emiln Park in Post Falls to select up to three landscape-sized trees per family.

The tree-filled day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with an Arbor Day and Tree City USA recognition ceremony. Afterward, the tree-giveaway will begin on a first-come, first-served basis.

If any trees are left after 2 p.m., residents outside the three communities are invited to stop by for a tree.

The trees range from 6 to 8 feet tall and are a mix of medium to large shade trees and one small flowering tree. The trees are placed in plastic bags to keep roots moist for the trip home.

Tree experts – from Master Gardeners and Community Canopy – will be available to help select the right tree for your yard and give tips for caring for it.

Homeowners are encouraged to pre-dig a hole for the tree and plant it as soon as possible to ensure its health. The city encourages people to call “One Call” for a free utility line location check at least 72 hours before digging plant holes. The “One Call” number is (800) 428-4950.

Homeowner associations and businesses may reserve trees to be planted in common areas or within public right of way. For more information, call 773-8147.

Donations to the Post Falls Tree Trust Fund are welcome and will be used for planting trees and providing education through Community Canopy, a three-city partnership that promotes tree care and maintenance education.

Business sponsors for the tree day include: Panhandle State Bank, ReMax, JUB Engineering, First American Title, David Dean and Tracy Williams, Monte Risvold, Brad Marshall and Geremy Russell, and Jacque Sergeant.