There are two ways to participate in this Friends of Trees effort: you can purchase a tree for your space, and you can join the volunteer event to plant trees in our area.

Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills lost countless trees during the January 2024 storm. If you’re looking to plant trees in your space in the new year, your timing couldn’t be better. Friends of Trees has over 100 different tree varieties to choose from for your street or yard—from native species to fruit trees—and they can even help if you have questions on where to plant your tree. Trees are just $35 and can be purchased on the Friends of Trees website. Be sure to secure your tree choice by January 27.

Friends of Trees is partnering with Clean Water Services to plant trees in Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills on February 15. This is their third annual volunteer tree planting event in the neighborhood. The event will be hosted at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (12405 SW Butner Rd.) from 9 am-1 pm on February 15. Volunteers meet at the church where Friends of Trees will provide gloves, tools, and planting guidance, as well as light breakfast snacks and coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Then teams will go out to plant trees in the area.

Portland and Beaverton have lost valuable tree canopy in recent years due to growth, among other reasons. Trees are a big piece of our livability, health, and vitality and help moderate the impacts of climate change in our community. Trees clean the air, reduce noise up to 50%, keep our watershed clean and healthy, reduce energy costs by shading our homes, and create wildlife habitat. 

Trees in yards and along the streets also help boost home values. According to local Realtor Jan Dempsey, “Landscaping can add significant value to a home, increasing its resale value by 10–20% on average. Real Estate experts say that smart landscaping design can provide a return on investment of 200–400%.”

Questions? Reach out to jillianm@friendsoftrees.org