Grantsville is going green with their annual 'Street Tree Program' getting underway. The theme of this year's program is 'Help Keep Grantsville Great, Plant a Tree in 2008.'

The Street Tree Program, occurring twice each year, was established in 2003 to promote the planting of trees that will provide shade along the streets of Grantsville.

"The popularity and success of our program is helping to bring back the past beauty of Grantsville, when hundreds of large trees lined the streets of our town," said Gary Fawson, member of the Shade Tree Commission.

The commission and the Beautification Committee are teaming up to carry out the program, which is funded by the Grantsville City Council.

To encourage Grantsville citizens to participate in planting trees, a buy one get one free sale will be held. However, free trees must be planted on the street at homes or businesses.

Fawson said the trees, provided at a discount by Tri City Nursery, include Canada Red, Crab Apples (white or pink), Fruitless Mulberry, Green Ash, Hackberry, Little Leaf Linden, Honey Locust, Flowering Pear and London Plane. These trees were chosen for their ability to grow well in Grantsville and large caliper, which will provide maximum shading to the city.

With 50 to 100 homes utilizing this program each year, it has proved to be a success. "In the past five years, over 700 trees have been planted along the streets and in the yards of Grantsville to enhance neighborhoods and create a healthy urban forest," Fawson said.

There are many benefits that the community receives from the program. "Aesthetics, cost reduction in maintenance, better air quality and just a more homey feeling to Grantsville," Fawson said. "The trees shade the asphalt, which helps reduce street maintenance. They also create more oxygen for a healthier environment."

Fawson has been impressed by the response and participation of the citizens of Grantsville wanting to improve the look of their city.

Local leaders have also stepped up to help the city. "It's great to see the support we get from the mayor and the Grantsville City Council in helping to bring back the beauty of Grantsville's past."

Those residents wishing to be the recipient of a free tree must apply at City Hall on Main Street by April 11. City Hall will provide pictures of the trees that may be ordered and locations of trees provided by this program in the past available at City Hall as well.

Those wishing to plant a tree, but do not plan on planting it on the street may purchase one at the full price of $75.

Trees will be delivered to the City Hall parking lot the morning of April 18, and must be picked up by 5 p.m. Participation in the program is appreciated.