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Projects

Tree Grant Program

Los Tree Amigos, West Texas’ non-profit Urban Forestry Organization brings to you:

Desert Sombra

A tree grant program for any group wishing to plant trees for the benefit of their local community. The program is open to all nine counties west of the Pecos River, and the bordering NM counties of Dona Ana and Otero.

The West Texas Urban Forestry Council’s mission is to promote the preservation, health and expansion of community trees in the El Paso region. Together with friends of the WTUFC, "Los Tree Amigos", we work to promote "desert green"- shade friendly and water smart. Our organization is committed to providing trees to worthy tree planting projects where irrigation and maintenance are provided so that trees have the best chance of survival.

Desert Sombra applicants must complete an application.

Applications may be submitted at any time, but planting will be scheduled only between October 1st and December 31st which is the best time to plant trees in our region. Applications must be submitted by September 1st . Tree quantities are limited, and projects will be rated to determine where trees are allocated. “Free” trees shall be provided as 1-gallon saplings, with a minimum order of ten. Larger trees are also available, as part of our cost share program.

Maintenance Requirements

Water is the key resource for tree establishment and survival. Trees must be watered every 3-4 days through the first growing season, in addition to any "sprinkler irrigation" the site may already receive. Enough water must be applied so that the root ball and surrounding soil stays moist, but not wet. The most successful tree plantings occur on projects with automated irrigation systems.

Weed control: Grass and weeds MUST NOT be allowed to grow around the root ball of the tree for the first three years. Weeds should be pulled by hand once/week.

Mechanical damage: No string trimmers, mowers, or other type of power equipment is allowed near the newly planted trees for the first three years.

Mulch: A three inch layer of organic mulch is required around each tree in a three foot radius circle.

All participants are required to meet or exceed the above maintenance requirements. Projects will be monitored and inspected periodically and future grants will be awarded based on past project successes. Additionally, a final report shall be requested one year after installation, documenting health and survival rates.

Desert Sombra Application

Primary Contact:

Name:

Phone Number: () - ext.

Email Address:

Secondary Contact:

Name:

Phone Number: () - ext.

Email Address:

Organization Information:

Name of Organization or Group:

Organization Address:

Mailing Address:

Website Address:

Number of volunteers:

Planting Location

Property Owner:

Location Name:

Location Address:

OS Map:

Planting Project

Why are trees being planted?

Will the trees be accessible to the public?

Do you have property owner's permission?

Is the location permanent?

Is construction planned on this location?

Will this planting be part of curriculum activities?

Preferred Planting Date*: / /

Alternative Planting Date*: / /

Briefly describe planting project for requested trees:

Briefly describe irrigation system for requested trees:

Describe the maintenance plan for the requested trees:

Briefly describe other environmental projects, if applicable:

Please provide a detailed maintenance description. Tell us the who, what, when and where’s of project maintenance. Include succession planning, should the primary coordinator/group be unable to fulfill maintenance requirements. Part of your project score will be based on this description.:

Sketch of the planting site, showing north arrow, buildings, walls, sidewalks, driveways, and above and underground utilities:

What do you need? Check all that apply:

Trees

Tree Delivery

Tools

Planting Supervisors

Design Assistance

Tree Protection

Educational Program

Educational Materials

Trees:

Tree species may be requested, depending on availability. For photographs and information on individual species, please visit our Tree Selection Tool.

(High water use trees such as ash, willow, cottonwood, pecan and sycamore may be requested if the planting site is suitable and water is abundant.)

Quantity (1 Gal.)
(no match required)		 Quantity (5 Gal.)
(25% match required $10/tree)		 Quantity (15 Gal.)
(50% match required $30/tree)
Large Canopy Trees:
Honey Mesquite (native)
Western Soapberry (native)
Chinese Pistache
Italian Stone Pine
Lacebark Elm
Mexican White Oak
Texas Red Oak
Medium Canopy Trees:
Desert Willow (native)
Palo Verde (native)
Sweet Acacia
Small Canopy Trees:
Mexican Redbud (native)
Goldenball Lead Tree
Texas Mountain Laurel

Please list anticipated cost to guarantee, if cost share match is required:
$

By submitting this form, I indicate that I am aware of the commitment and care that will be required for the requested trees. I have read the maintenance requirements below and, to the best of my ability, I will ensure tree survival. I will follow tree planting guidelines provided by the WTUFC. I will also include the West Texas Urban Forestry Council (“Los Tree Amigos”) in all press releases and publicity relating to the project. Additionally, I will send photos of tree planting projects to the WTUFC and authorize their use for publicity.

*Trees may also be picked up at WTUFC Fall Tree Conference, date and time TBA.

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