NeighborWoods is a partnership between the City of Pflugerville’s Forestry Program, Tree Care Advisory Board, TreeFolks, Discover Green and individual volunteers.  The goal is to offer free street trees to 800 homes per year.  These trees will help diversify the age and species of the urban forest, reduce the urban heat-island effect, increase storm water infiltration, improve air quality, provide wildlife habitat, and improve the quality of life for all citizens by providing peaceful, shaded streets.  Partnerships make this program possible, TreeFolks supplies all the trees!

The NeighborWoods program begins in the summer with outreach to the target neighborhood.  Visits to the Home Owners Association meeting and newsletter articles help spread the word about the free tree program.  Volunteers are recruited and trained and canvassing begins in August.  Trees are offered if criteria are met including minimum distances from sidewalks, driveways, streets, utilities, other trees, street signs, intersections and storm sewers.

The homeowner is notified by a small white flag placed in the appropriate planting location and a door hanger with a detachable postcard.  The homeowner fills in their desired tree and mails the postcard back.  In return for the free tree(s), the homeowner agrees to plant in the location indicated (usually within 15 feet from the street) and water for the next two years and in periods of drought.  

The NeighborWoods program began in 2009, delivering 450 trees to 254 homes in Bohls, Mountain Creek, and Mountain Creek East subdivisions.  In 2010 NeighborWoods will be offering trees to the Heatherwilde subdivision.  In 2011, NeighborWoods will be in the North Park and Springbrook Center subdivisions.

To learn more about the program, contact April Rose, the City Arborist at (512) 990-6328.

Projected Areas for NeighborWoods Program