Shade for Sidewalks

The City of Sidney “2018 Shade for Sidewalks Street Tree Program” is taking applications from homeowners for a chance to plant a 12 foot tall tree, in the city right of way.

The right of way is located typically between the sidewalk and street. Signups are open now and will continue through May 16. Plantings will occur as weather and work schedules allow in May.

The City of Sidney Tree Board, which has jurisdiction over installation and removal of street trees, will review the applications. Those homeowners chosen for one of this year’s 16 trees will be contacted by a Tree Board representative. Experienced city staff will deliver and plant the tree. Those homeowners not selected, this time, can reapply for a Spring 2019 planting of “Shade for Sidewalks”.

The selected homeowners will have several requirements:

1. Choose the site on your property and city right-of-way (caution: does not block traffic signage).

2. Contact Diggers Hotline to see that utilities do not conflict with the chosen site.

3. Prepare the planting site according to instructions (hole depth and width).

4. Water and care for the tree going forward.

The City has 16 trees available for the 2018 program. They can be planted on the City right-of-way along neighborhood sidewalks. These trees were selected with the help of the Nebraska Forest Service staff. Only trees having the least impact on heaving sidewalks and street curbs were considered. Species selected are: Skyline Honeylocust, Chinkapin Oak, Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree and Accolade Elm. The 12 foot tall trees are valued at more than $275.00 each.

Homeowners can contact the City Parks Department at 254-3307 or through the City website. At the website, click on Parks, under the Departments tab, then Contact Us “e-mail” tab. Please leave your name, address and contact information.

The program is designed to maintain and improve our community forest tree canopy. Shade from trees helps cool the effect of the sun radiating heat off our streets and sidewalks. Trees moderate temperatures as we enjoy a walk through our neighborhoods. It would be the City of Sidney Tree Board’s long term goal to have a tree on each residential block to give pedestrians relief from hot summer temperatures.