Cincinnati Parks & Partners Offer 36 years of Free Trees Through Annual ReLeaf Program

Last night, program sponsors and participants enjoyed a celebration of the 36th year of Cincinnati Parks' ReLeaf program. Attendees of MadTree Brewing's "Night in The Trees" enjoyed live music and specialty drinks among the beautifully lit free ReLeaf trees to be distributed Saturday, October 21 and Monday, October 23. Over the years, Cincinnati Parks’ Fall ReLeaf program has grown, improved and sustained the tree canopy, and health, of our city.  

This year’s program will plant 1,000 trees, which participants will pick up Saturday and Monday, and was made possible by generous sponsors, MadTree Brewing, Dynegy, and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Their support provides a variety of trees (White Oak, Blackgum, Jefferson Elm, Winter King Hawthorn, Redmond Linden, Northern Pecan, Arrowwood Viburnum, Redbud, Sugar Maple, Persimmon and Wild Black Cherry) at a $75 value to Cincinnati property owners at no cost. 

Rhiannon Hoeweler, V.P. of Experience & Impact, MadTree Brewing said, “We’re thrilled to help sponsor ReLeaf for the fourth year in a row and serve as host for this program that so perfectly aligns with our purpose of connecting people to nature and each other." 

Brad Watson, Dynegy’s Senior Director of Community Affairs added, "Every tree planted is an investment in Cincinnati’s future. Dynegy is proud to support the work of Cincinnati Parks, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, and MadTree Brewing. Together, we can help make Cincinnati’s long-term sustainability goals a reality and ensure bright years ahead for the next generation.” 

Important Reminders:  

Remember to Get your Tree. If you registered for a tree, remember to pick it up at the time chosen. Reminder e-mails with details were sent to registrants this week.  

Wait List. The trees went fast. If you were unable to secure a tree, there are a limited number of excess trees each year offered on a first come first served basis.  If you would still like a tree this year, please consider adding your name to the wait list. 

ABOUT RELEAF 

The highly successful effort has given away 20,500 free trees consisting of more than 40 species.  This is one of the programs helping to raise Cincinnati's overall tree canopy 5% (38% - 43%). The benefits of an improved tree canopy, particularly in urban environments include: 

• Removing pollution from the atmosphere, which improves air quality and health. 
• Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, reducing the effects of climate change. 
• Saving energy. According to the Arbor Day Foundation: “A tree in the Cincinnati community saves the average household $56 annually in cooling costs by reducing electricity use.” 
• Trees reduce the urban heat island effect by shading buildings and streets and releasing water vapor into the air. Urban trees can cool a city by up to 10°F. 
• Making us feel happier. Living and working in areas with trees can improve mental health, mood and social connections. 
• Providing natural ​​stormwater management. A single large canopy deciduous tree can control 400 to 1,000 gallons of stormwater, reducing soil erosion and managing flooding from rainfall. 

Want a free tree? Join our waitlist.

The ReLeaf program targets neighborhoods with less than 40% tree canopy coverage including:  

Mt. Adams (31%) 
Walnut Hills (33%) 
East End (30%) 
Avondale (37%) 
Lower Price Hill (20%) 
Queensgate (10%) 
West End (14%) 
Over-the-Rhine (13%) 
Downtown (7%) 
Corryville (14%) 
Pendleton (12%) 
Camp Washington (8%) 
Carthage(33%) 
Hartwell (37%) 
Roselawn (26%) 
Bond Hill (25%) 
Madisonville (36%) 
Oakley (26%) 
Evanston (31%) 
Linwood (28%)