It’s never too early to start planning, right? PHCA is currently collecting applications for the Spring 2009 tree planting. You can download the application in Word  or pdf format. All applications are due at the PHCA office by Thursday, November 6. Remember, you can bring your application to the membership meeting on November 5, at West Penn Recreation Center, drop it in our mailbox, or send it to –

Polish Hill Civic Association
3060 Brereton Street
Pittsburgh PA 15219

TreeVitalize Pittsburgh is a new partnership dedicated to making a significant improvement in the Pittsburgh region’s tree cover. The city website has more information on the shade trees that have been and continue to be such an important part of the landscape —

Our city is full of these shade trees, which line our streets and communities and bring a little green into our daily lives. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, these trees also have a major impact on the environment and wildlife of the neighborhood that is often less considered. The city’s urban forest is slowly disappearing, and we must act before it disappears.

You can read more about the history and maintenance of the city trees here.  The Friends of the Urban Forest are working with TreeVitalize to develop a volunteer base in the many neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. These volunteers care for the trees and assist the city in collecting applications from homeowners for seasonal tree planting. Polish Hill has a very dedicated group, several of whom have their certification as tree tenders.