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Growing a Greener Healthier Manchester

About the ProgramA graphic with the Manchester, NH Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries logo and the following text: Urban Forestry. Growing a Greener, Healthier Manchester. 01. Confirm the location is within the identified planting neighborhood. 02. Complete the application. 03. Schedule a site review with the Tree Ambassador/Urban Forester. 04. Planting request reviewed by City with planting contractor, confirming availability. 05. Receive approval letter from the City. 06. Review and approve the planting selection. 07. Review and approve alternatives if the selected tree is not the primary requested tree. 08. Confirm the planting schedule with both the City and the planting contractor. 09. Confirm the location is within the identified planting neighborhood. 10. Enjoy and provide care to your new tree(s). Manchester. Anything but run of the mill.

Growing a Greener Healthier Manchester is a 5-year fully federally-funded project to expand the urban tree canopy throughout the city center and historically industrialized neighborhoods. Plantings are available at no cost for residents in eligible neighborhoods.

Goals

  • Complete city-wide inventory of existing trees along streets and in parks
  • Conduct aerial canopy assessment and mapping
  • Develop an Urban Forestry plan
  • Plant over 500 new trees at no cost to residential property owners
  • Remove and replant hazardous trees
  • Increase access to community green spaces through removal of overgrowth and invasive species
  • Promote local career development and education
  • Enhance community engagement with urban forestry

Benefits

  • Improved mental health
  • Cleaner air
  • Improved water quality
  • Lower summer temperatures
  • Decreased cooling costs
  • Reduced stormwater runoff
  • Greater biodiversity

Applications

Prior to submitting an application, please review planting details, eligibility information and approved tree species listed below. Apply through any of the below options.

Online Mapping & Tree Request

Apply through the Manchester Tree Request Survey.

Web Application

Apply directly from our website using the Growing a Greener Healthier Manchester online form.

PDF or Paper Application

You can submit a Growing a Greener Healthier Manchester application to the email address listed on the application, or mail to:

Green Streets Program
Department of Public Works
475 Valley Street
Manchester, NH 03103

Planting Details and Eligibility

  1. Planting location must be within eligible planting neighborhoods
    1. Northwest*, Rimmon Heights, Notre Dame, Piscataquog, Downtown, Corey Square, Kalivas Union, Bakersville, Highlands
    2. Eligible planting area
  2. Applicant must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner
    1. Eligible residential properties include multi-family apartment complexes
    2. Non-residential properties are ineligible
  3. Tree selection must be from the approved species list
    1. Alternative selections are subject to approval and availability
    2. Limit of two (2) trees per property
  4. Property owner assumes responsibility for maintenance, watering, pruning, mulching, and all other proper care of planted tree(s)
    1. The City of Manchester does not guarantee the lifespan of the tree(s) planted
  5. Trees will only be planted in spaces suitable for the selected species
    1. In right-of-way planting areas of at least 4 feet between the curb and sidewalk
    2. In right-of-way tree wells no smaller than 4 feet by 6 feet
    3. At least 30 feet from any intersection/stop sign
    4. At least 5 feet from aboveground and underground utilities
    5. At least 5 feet from neighboring properties
    6. At least 5 feet from structures
  6. Applications will be considered in the order they are received until dedicated funds are depleted

*Entire neighborhood not within identified planting area.

Approved Tree Species

Maintaining the diversity of our urban tree population is essential. A variety of trees within a city creates a resilient urban forest, with less potential for devastating effects from pests or diseases. Our goal is to plant the right species in the right places with the right care to allow the trees to survive and thrive. Approved species are:

  • American Elm - New Harmony (Ulmus americana ‘New Harmony’)
  • American Elm - Valley Forge (Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’)
  • American Hornbeam - Wisconsin Red (Carpinus caroliniana ‘Wisconsin Red’)
  • American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
  • Amur Maackia (Maackia amurensis)
  • Birch - Heritage (Betula nigra ‘Cully’)
  • Crabapple - Donald Wyman (Malus ‘Donald Wyman’)
  • Crabapple - Indian Summer (Malus ‘Indian Summer’)
  • Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
  • Japanese Tree Lilac - Ivory Silk (Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’)
  • Japanese Zelkova - Green Vase (Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’)
  • Japanese Zelkova - Village Green (Zelkova serrata ‘Village Green’)
  • Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
  • Maidenhair Tree - Autumn Gold (Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’)
  • Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
  • Thornless Honey Locust - Shademaster (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Shademaster’)
  • Thornless Honey Locust - Skyline (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Skyline’)
  • Tupelo Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
  • White Oak (Quercus alba)
  • Other (dependent upon location, availability and cost)

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