Looking to Adopt? Try a Local Tree

For those unable to face the commitment of parenting or owning a pet, there is always flora. Through NYC’s adopt-a-tree program, you can find a tree to call your very own. The program targets bedraggled trees or ones prone to attract litter, but any available tree can be adopted.

If you’re hoping to find a tree on 8th Street between 8th Avenue and PPW, you’d better hurry. Supplies are limited, and most of the trees on the block are spoken for. Dhara and Leela, ages eight and ten, have named their little leaf linden tree “Lucy.” Seven-year-old Bethany has adopted the little leaf linden a few yards down. Hannah, age five, has opted for a London plane tree, and has dubbed it “The Peace Tree.” She wants us to know this tree was sent from England by King Charles I.

Want to take that big step but are frustrated by the lack of trees on your block? The city will give you a tree for free! And this is the best time to plant trees – from mid-October until the ground freezes (approximately the beginning of December). So get on it.