Urban Tree Programs Neighborhood Tree Program To promote the interests and welfare of Sarasota County residents, the Forestry Division created a Residential Street Tree Planting Program that offers design, selection and planting services to qualifying neighborhoods and Homeowners’ Associations. Interested residential groups must be secure a 75% owner participation, confirmed in writing. We suggest appointing a Residents’ Coordinator who will act as liaison with Forestry throughout the planning, planting and subsequent care cycles. A written proposal is required, inidicating the nature of your neighborhood proposal, relevant streets and desired tree species. Proposals are submitted by Forestry to Sarasota Tree Advisory Council (STAC) on a first-come, first-served basis, and decided in consultation with Forestry. A successful proposal satisfies the following elements: all relevant roads must be county-owned and maintained; subject to best practices considerations of overhead utilities, easement space, traffic visibility clearance and irrigation. The proposal must contain at least 20 but no more than 150 trees, the planting area must leave at leave 4.5' of green space between the road and any sidewalk of otherwise impermeable surface. Final species will be selected by Forestry, according to available conditions and suitability. And healthy trees shall be furnished at a cost of only $50 per tree (compare approximate retail prices of $200 per tree), coupled with a covenant by the neighborhood association to water the trees and clear surrounding areas of weed and grass during the establishment period (normally one year). Since creation of this program in 1994, Forestry has successfully completed nearly 40 Street Tree Projects. The Residential Street Tree Program is another partnership between you and the county, developed to enhance the natural beauty of our community and to use those assets for a healthy, productive and sustainable quality of life.