Contact

(401)  484-7359

info@pnpp.org

PO Box #5897
Providence, RI 02903

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tree Planting and Volunteering

I want a tree in front of my house, where do I start?

Reach out to us at info@pnpp.org! We can connect you with your neighborhood leader for the next upcoming season or talk about other planting options.

I’d like to plant a street tree through PNPP but don’t own the house/ property where I live, what should I do?

If the property owner lives onsite or nearby and you know them, we’ll ask you to check-with them to make sure they’re ok with a tree going in. (Even though the sidewalk is city-owned, it’s good to make sure they’re on board!) If you don’t know your landlord or are struggling to get in touch with them, just reach out to us and we can help secure permission and find a solution!

Can I volunteer to help plant trees?

We are often looking for extra help during our Spring and Fall tree planting seasons! Check www.pnpp.org/volunteer for more info, and sign up to receive our e-newsletter for more updates on how to get involved!

Are there any special skills I need to volunteer at a tree planting?

Our only requirement is that anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Other than that, we welcome everyone–whether you’re a trained arborist or have never even thought about planting a tree before!

Can I request a tree in front of a business or other non-residential site?

Yes! Trees can be planted along any public city street: in front of homes, businesses, schools, churches, community spaces–as long as we determine there’s enough room at that site for a tree, and that there is someone committed to watering/stewarding it!

There is no lawn strip or existing opening in the sidewalk, can I still apply for a tree?

Absolutely! When you organize or participate in a Neighborhood Street Tree Planting PNPP will do all of the necessary prep work for planting. This includes identifying the underground utilities, marking the best spot for a tree, cutting a new tree pit in the concrete or asphalt if necessary, digging out old existing dirt, and adding fresh soil.

Can I pick what tree I get?

Our primary goal in selecting species is to plant trees that will survive tough urban street conditions, ensure a diversity of species across our urban forest, and contribute to the key human health and environmental benefits that trees provide. We are also limited by what species are available from commercial nurseries. We can sometimes meet an individual’s request for tree species, but this is not always possible.
(If you want to guarantee you get exactly the specific species you want, you can apply to plant a tree through the City’s Individual Street Tree Planting Program – either a Full-Cost or Match-Cost tree.)

Tree Care and Urban Forest Stewardship

How do I take care of a newly planted tree?

Water. Mulch. Love. You can find more specific instructions in the tree care guides we created! And remember: you want your mulch to be a donut, not a volcano.

A business is repaving its parking lot but they haven’t added or left room for trees, is this allowed?

It depends. You can check-out the city’s different tree-related zoning codes and ordinances here, but if you see a large parking lot being repaved and no new trees going in, let us know ASAP so we can check-it out! In general, if you want to see more trees somewhere–or in general–contact your city representatives and let them know!

Can I prune trees on my own?

To prune any city trees (those along sidewalks/right-of-ways and on public property) you need to be authorized by the City Forestry Division or become a certified Providence Community Tree Keeper, our joint program with the City to train and authorize residents to help with pruning and care of young city trees!!

A tree in the sidewalk in front of my house is damaged, can you help?!

PNPP does not do tree maintenance, but you can report any issues through PVD-311 or visit the PVD City Forestry resources page to learn about how to get your tree taken care of. The city’s forestry crew will be happy to help!