MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis wants residents to "throw shade" this spring — in their yards.
At the beginning of February, officials opened their annual spring tree lottery to help residents and businesses increase the city's tree canopy.
Since 2006, the program has provided thousands of trees for folks to plant across the city.
This year, the Minneapolis Health Department has "1,000 low-cost shade and evergreen trees" and residents have "a chance to get up to two $30 trees," according to a news release.
Residents have until the end of March to enter the lottery, and winners will receive an email on how to order them in April.
The trees must be picked up on either May 18 or 19.
In the news release, city officials listed the benefits of trees:
- Shade and cool your house or apartment
- Lower utility bills
- Increase property value
- Clean the air
- Collect stormwater
- Provide a habitat for wildlife
- Improve health and well-being
City officials said they sold more than 1,500 trees last year.
This year, city officials are "encouraging residents who live or own property in Green Zones to enter."
The city provides a map of Green Zone locations here.
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