The University of Pittsburgh offers free Tree Tender training to Pitt employees and students. Since the start of this initiative in 2022, over 176 Pitt community members have been trained to help care for trees in their own backyards and neighborhoods.
Pitt Tree Tenders is offered in partnership with Tree Pittsburgh. Pitt Tree Tenders have opportunities to help take care of young street trees in Oakland several times annually; they can also help help lead organizations in their own communities apply for street tree grants from TreeVitalize Pittsburgh.
In Summer 2024, Pitt Tree Tenders came together to provide important tree care for 25 trees planted around the Zulema Parklet through TreeVitalize. Volunteers removed weeds from tree root zones and then covered them with a thick layer of mulch to ensure moisture retention during hot days. These efforts are vital to ensuring young trees survive into adulthood to help expand regional tree canopy.
If you are interested in getting involved become a Pitt Tree Tender by either taking the online training or attending the next in-person training this fall. Pitt Tree Tenders will have multiple opportunities to volunteer to take care of Oakland Street trees throughout the year.