Sioux Falls receives $3M for more trees

More trees will be coming to Sioux Falls neighborhoods, thanks to a $3 million federal grant.

It’s part of the Communi-Tree Program from the USDA Forest Service and will be used to restore trees in neighborhoods that are considered disadvantaged and lost trees to emerald ash borer.

The program aims to plant 2,500 trees on the street right-of-way at no cost to the property owner. The city said it will prioritize planting a diverse range of trees and will maintain them for the first two critical growing seasons to ensure their survival.

The program applies to neighborhoods identified through qualified census tract data, encompassing roughly 24,000 households across 25 square miles.

“The emerald ash borer has significantly impacted our city’s urban forest, and disadvantaged neighborhoods have borne the brunt of this issue,” said Bryan Peterson, urban forestry specialist with Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation.

“The Communi-Tree Program directly addresses this disparity by restoring tree cover where residents may need assistance.”

Various residents in qualified areas will be contacted for an opportunity to have a tree planted on the street right-of-way from next year through 2027, with the program wrapping up in 2028 after final tree maintenance and assessment.

“Planting trees is an investment in our city’s health and well-being,” Peterson said. “Studies show that trees in communities are linked to improved physical and mental health, lower temperatures during extreme heat and even new economic opportunities.”

Throughout the program, Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation will provide educational materials to residents about the importance of tree care and the benefits trees bring to the community.

To see more about the effort, click below.