Embedded Files
Let's plant 100+ Street Trees in the Meadows neighborhood by June 1, 2026!
IMPORTANT: Deadline to request a tree is March 7th, 2026
No cost to residents!
No cost to residents!
This project partners with Trees Lexington, a local non-profit, which has funding to purchase the needed Street Trees and organize the Voulnteer Resources to plant and help residents care for their new shade.
Why the Meadows neighborhood needs more trees
Why the Meadows neighborhood needs more trees
Lexington’s District 1 is home to one of the city’s lowest tree canopy densities and its largest acreage of paved-over surfaces. These realities increase the amount of heat trapped in the District and the amount stormwater runoff into the Cane Run watershed.
This project’s goal is to lower the area’s heat retention and improve storm drainage by planting a variety of long-life trees in the right-of-ways along 10 streets in the Meadows neighborhood.
District 1 Tree Facts
District 1 Tree Facts
Canopy Density = 19 percent of acreage*
Impervious Surfaces = 52 percent of acreage (2,500 acres)
Only District - of 12 - to lose canopy from 2012-2020
Of the neighborhood's current Street Trees, many have suffered storm damage or are in need of removal and replacement. Knowing that, planting additional trees will make the canopy denser and not completely lost over time.
*Ideally, the Canopy Density for District 1 would be above 25 percent.
Residents are Integral
Residents are Integral
Expanding the canopy isn't possible without buy-in from Meadows' residents. Care of the right-of-way is a property owner's responsibility and Street Tree choices need owner approval, in addition to no-cost permits from the city and 811 (utility survey).
Ideal for Street Trees
Ideal for Street Trees
Meadows is home to more than 650 residences. In many cases, they are fronted by a 6-ft-wide utility strip of varying length. Additionally, the power lines - in many cases - run along easements behind homes, making street space for taller trees.
NOTE: If you don't live on one of the eligible streets below, but live in District 1, please fill out the request form anyway because additional funding may expand the reach of the project, soon.
Eligible Streets
Eligible Streets
Carneal Rd.
Cicada Ave.
Darley Dr.
Emerson Dr.
Gay Pl.
Highland Park Dr.
Locust Ave.
Logan Pl.
Marcellus Dr.
Meadow Ln
Street Trees Available for Request
Street Trees Available for Request
IMPORTANT: All trees listed below are approved for planting by the city, assuming all no-cost planting permits have been completed.
Fall color
Yellowwood
(Cladrastis kentukea/lutea)
Native tree with pretty clusters of flowers in the spring and yellow-orange leaves in the fall. Makes a great shade tree.
Fall color
Black Gum
(Nyssa sylvatica)
Grown as an ornamental for its beautiful, scarlet red, fall color and for its shiny, dark green leaves in the summer.
Fall color
Shumard Oak
(Quercus shumardii)
Native tree with a pyramidal shape when young and a more open rounded crown at maturity.
Summer leaves
American Linden
(Tilia americana)
Native, amazing wildlife tree, it attracts lightning bugs. Its flowers are prized by honeybees.
Fall color
American Hornbeam
(Carpinus caroliniana)
Native to eastern North America. It does well in heavy shade and is found as an understory tree in forests.
Roadmap to a Street Tree
Roadmap to a Street Tree
Step 1. Resident signs up and choose a free tree.
Step 2. We contact resident to identify spot to plant tree.
Step 3. We file city and 811 permits.
Step 4. Volunteers arrive on designated date to help plant tree.
Step 5. Homeowners take ownership of watering during the first two summers.
Step 6. Volunteers mulch and prune the trees during the first 2 years after planting.
Questions? Email: MeadowsTreeProject[at]duck[dot]com
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse