The City of Coeur d’Alene is dedicated to our urban forest and has been recognized as a Tree City USA the last 36 years. Every year in April we hold an Arbor Day celebration usually involving free seedlings, tree planting, art contests, and a free meal for attendees. This year we are holding a small-scale event but also would like to give people the option of celebrating Arbor Day at home!

The City of Coeur d’Alene Urban Forestry Division is dedicated to celebrating Arbor Day and providing information to the public regarding trees. We are asking for the people of Coeur d’Alene’s help in celebrating Arbor Day from home this spring. At no time are the benefits of having trees in our urban areas more evident than during times of self-isolation. Trees have a huge impact on our health and mood and they can help us to feel more connected to our environment especially if social distancing and avoiding crowds.

We know that you have trees at your home or property that are important to you. Maybe they were planted to signify an event, maybe you have a tree grown from an Arbor Day seedling, or maybe you just have a unique or beautiful tree and we want to see your trees!

If you are a Coeur d’ Alene homeowner please send us a picture of a tree in your yard and tell us about it. If you know, tell us what kind of tree it is or maybe we can let you know? Tell us your story, in one paragraph: Why is this tree important or special to your family? The City of Coeur d’Alene Urban Forestry Committee will review all of your wonderful submissions and will select the top 5 that are especially rare or beautiful or have the best stories. These “winners” will receive a free tree delivered to their home this fall to plant on their property. We hope to create an online photo gallery so you can see all the photos and read people’s stories.

While following the stay at home order please contact the Urban Forestry office if you have questions about working on public trees. We are open and always willing to provide info and help, and, we invite you to celebrate Arbor Day 2020 with us in this unique way.

*Details: By submitting photos and stories you give permission to the City of Coeur d’Alene to use and share your submission online. In order to participate, homes must be within the incorporated Coeur d’Alene City limits. Timeline for submitting tree photos and stories begins on Arbor Day, Friday April 23 2021 and ends Monday May 31^st 2020. Planting permits are required if planting trees in the public right of way abutting your property.  Please submit all photos and stories to [email protected].