Want a new tree? Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation has a deal for you.

For $20, Fort Wayne residents can have the department plant an 8- to 14-foot tree in their yard. Tom Cain, the city’s urban designer, estimated the same service would cost $250 to $300 if a commercial landscaper did it.

Like all good things in life, however, there is a catch. The trees must be placed in the park strip on the resident’s property – the land between the sidewalk and the curb, which is in the public right-of-way. The parks department trims the tree, and the owner would have to get permission from the department if the tree needs to be removed. “By law, the city arborist has responsibility for what’s planted,” Cain said.

Those who don’t have a sidewalk in front of their house still may be eligible for a tree, at the discretion of the city. A house with a curb in front would be a more likely candidate because curbs reduce the chances a car would drive off the street and strike a tree, Cain said. Conversely, a house with a swale in front would not be a likely candidate, as trees can’t be planted in drainage ways.

This isn’t the first year for the program, but the trees come at a reduced price this year – $20 instead of $30 – thanks to a $10 million parks bond approved last year. The fee can be waived based on household size and income standards, which are posted on the Parks and Recreation Department’s Web site.

The city has funding to plant 1,000 to 1,100 trees, compared with 400 to 500 in past years.

Those interested need to act fast – applications must be received by July 1. “This is such a deal I hate for people to miss the opportunity,” said parks department spokeswoman Sarah Nichter.

Street trees – those between the sidewalk and the curb – add aesthetic and real value to neighborhoods, Cain said. But they serve another important purpose, as well – cooling streets and reducing heat that is re-radiated off pavement.

The parks department limits the variety of street trees that can be planted based on certain characteristics. It won’t plant trees with roots that invade sewer systems, or trees that are weak or drop large quantities of seeds, bark or twigs. Some examples: certain types of maples, oaks, gingko, flowering pear and Kentucky coffee tree.

A resident who purchases a tree may select one from the city’s list, but the city reserves the right to deviate from the request if the arborist deems the choice inappropriate. The department won’t plant trees:

♦On private property

♦Under utility wires

♦In a park strip with less than 5 feet of planting area

♦Within 40 feet of an intersecting street or within 15 feet of a residential driveway

♦Within 10 feet of a streetlight, fire hydrant or traffic signal pole

♦Within 3 feet of curbs and/or sidewalks in poor condition

Cain hopes newly annexed areas will take advantage of the program. Many of the suburban neighborhoods didn’t include street trees when they were developed. “It’s a great opportunity to reach out to folks who are new members of our community,” he said.

If the department plants a tree, it will mulch around it. The property owner may want to water the tree, especially during dry spells, Cain said. If the tree doesn’t survive the first season, the department will replace it for free.