City of Quincy offering fall tree planting program

QUINCY — Quincy residents and/or business owners can sign up for the city’s annual fall tree planting program. Participants may buy one tree that will be planted on the public right of way (land between the sidewalk and the street) adjacent to their property.

Planning Director Chuck Bevelheimer said city crews have removed more than 100 trees in 2022 that were located on public right of way due to safety hazards, interference with utility services or simply dying.

In a press release, Bevelheimer said, “The fall tree planting program helps replenish the city’s tree canopy each year. It’s a breath-taking view when you drive on some of our streets and experience that canopy of brightly colored leaves each fall. Efforts like the fall tree planting program are why Quincy has been recognized as a Tree City USA Community for more than 35 years and was recently awarded a Tree City USA Growth Award.”

The trees will be sold for $50 each. At the time of planting, they will be approximately 8 to 12 feet in height with a diameter of 2 inches.

Bevelheimer said the property owner buying a tree will be asked to place a stake in the ground at the public right-of-way location where they would like to see the tree planted. He said if no sidewalk is present, the tree must be within 10 feet of the curb in the front yard.

The city reserves the right to adjust the location or type of tree to make sure it does not interfere with water, gas or overhead utility infrastructure.

Bevelheimer said Leffers Landscape and Nursery will provide the trees and plant them for the city.

“The company guarantees that the trees will bud out in the spring,” he said. “Beyond that, maintaining the trees will be the responsibility of the property owner. Young trees do require large amounts of water, especially during long periods of dry weather.”

Trees can be bought in person at the City Hall Annex, 706 Maine, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. More information is available by calling the Department of Planning and Development at 217-228-4515.