City residents can pay a $100 deposit to have a tree planted in their front yard.
By Kiona Wehlage
Original Air Date: July 25, 2025
Host: The City of Sarasota wants you to plant a tree, or maybe even more. Kiona Wehlage found out why and how.
Kiona Wehlage: Jacqueline Hartley is the chief arborist of the City of Sarasota. She shared details about the city’s Neighborhood Canopy Program. The program, previously known as the mature tree program launched back in 2021, aims to help homeowners with planting trees in their front yards.
And yes, this is very specific: It’s just about “trees between the front plane of a resident’s home and the street.”
Many people may wonder, “Why would I want a tree in my yard?” especially with the hurricanes. However, what people do not realize is that trees are beneficial to our community and environment. In the interview, Jacqueline Hartley, coordinator of the program, touches on this.
Jacqueline Hartley.
Jacqueline Hartley: The objective is to get more trees—to get more shade—which helps with storm water and urban wildlife.
KW: Oh, really?
JH: It even reduces crime and can increase property values.
KW: That’s cool. That does so much. Just a tree.
JH: Assists with stormwater capture. Did I say that? Does that. Trees capture thousands of gallons of water.
KW: Just by the roots? Sucking it up?
JH: Starting with the canopy.
A tree planted via the Neighborhood Canopy Program.
KW: While some homeowners may hesitate, Hartley explains that trees have many practical benefits and play a vital role in our community. Research shows that, when managed properly, trees can reduce wind speeds and even manage stormwater. To help bring these benefits to more neighborhoods, the city launched the Canopy Program. Homeowners have an opportunity to make our city healthier. When people join this program, they’re not just getting a tree; they’re helping make Sarasota a better place to live.
So how exactly does this work? First of all, you want to make sure your home is within Sarasota city limits. You must own the home. And you must first deposit $100. Then, the rest of the cost is covered by the city’s Tree Mitigation Fund. A contractor will plant the tree in your front yard. These are trees whose trunks are at least two inches wide. They come with special water bags that release liquid slowly to help them get established. Participants can choose from up to 10 species of trees.
Here’s the deal if you’re wondering about long-term care: after planting and water bag support, the tree is entirely your responsibility. The city helps you get started, but you’ll be the official caretaker.
Here is your next opportunity: Sarasota city residents must sign up online by August 22 by emailing neighborhoodcanopyprogram@sarasotaFL.gov. Then participants will have a new tree by September 1.
Last year, the city planted 52 trees. This year, they’re hoping to beat that number.
Every resident can make a difference.
This has been Kiona Wehlage for WSLR News.
WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm.