A GREENER FRANCISVILLE IN PUBLIC & AT HOME
A GREENER FRANCISVILLE IN PUBLIC & AT HOME
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Greening Francisville starts with our shared spaces - but it doesn't end there.
While we're working together to plan the future of MLK Park, Ogden Park, the Ridge Avenue Commercial Corridor, and the future community garden at 1438 Poplar Street, there are also many ways residents can bring more greenery, beauty, and environmental benefits to their own homes and blocks. Below are some free and low-cost Philadelphia programs that can help you get started.
Did you know, Philadelphia offers:
FREE Yard & Street Trees
FREE Rain Barrels
FREE Compost & Mulch
FREE Gardening Advice
FREE Gardening Tools
START WITH A TREE
START WITH A TREE
Trees provide shade, help cool neighborhoods, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and are even proven to help with traffic softening.
Get a Free Yard Tree
Philadelphia residents can receive free yard trees through TreePhilly's spring and fall giveaway programs.
Request a Free Street Tree
If your sidewalk has space for a tree pit, you may be eligible for a free street tree through PHS Tree Tenders, who select native trees that don't interfere with underground plumbing or foundations or overhead wires.
Need Tree Maintenance?
If a street tree is dead, hazardous, or needs pruning, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation provides maintenance services for city-owned street trees. PHS Tree Tenders also do annual maintenance.
REDUCE STORMWATER & SAVE WATER
REDUCE STORMWATER & SAVE WATER
Get a Free Rain Barrel
The Philadelphia Water Department's Rain Check Program provides professionally installed rain barrels at no cost to homeowners. Rain barrels collect rainwater from your roof that can later be used to water plants and gardens.
Install a Rain Garden / Downspout Planter
Rain gardens absorb stormwater, reduce runoff, support pollinators, and add beauty to your property. The Rain Check Program offers significant financial assistance toward installation.
Upgrade Hard Surfaces
Replacing concrete with permeable pavers can reduce stormwater runoff while creating a more attractive outdoor space. Philadelphia offers cost-sharing assistance through the Rain Check Program.
GROW SOMETHING
GROW SOMETHING
Start a Vegetable or Herb Garden
Even a few containers can produce herbs, tomatoes, peppers, or flowers.
Before planting edible crops in the ground, consider testing your soil for lead and other contaminants. Philadelphia residents have access to soil testing resources and guidance for growing food safely.
Free Compost & Mulch
Philadelphia residents can pick up free compost, mulch, wood chips, and other organic materials through the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center.
Need Gardening Help?
Penn State Master Gardeners provide free advice on plants, vegetables, pests, pruning, soil, and more. Farm Philly also has loads of resources including a tool library.
REDUCE WASTE & KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFUL
REDUCE WASTE & KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFUL
Pick Up a Free Recycling Bin
Philadelphia residents can receive free recycling bins from City sanitation convenience centers.
Access Free Clean Up Resources
You can use clean up supplies for free through UFCA; just email info@ufcaphilly.org
Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly
Paints, chemicals, batteries, motor oil, and other hazardous materials can be safely recycled through City collection programs.
Report Illegal Dumping
See illegal dumping? Reporting it helps keep our neighborhoods cleaner and safer. Philadelphia residents can report dumping through Philly 311. (Pro Tip: download the app, submit through there, you can track its progress)
LEVEL UP / GO PRO
LEVEL UP / GO PRO
Become a Tree Tender
PHS Tree Tenders trains residents to plant and care for trees throughout Philadelphia. No prior experience required. Learn more here!
Become a Master Gardener
Interested in taking your gardening knowledge further? Penn State's Master Gardener program trains volunteers to become community gardening leaders. Learn more here!
Become a Master Watershed Steward
Help protect Philadelphia's streams, rivers, and waterways while learning about environmental stewardship. Learn more here!
Compost
Find a list of 19 public compost sites around the city through the Farm Philly program here. (Interactive map at bottom of webpage).
Know of Another Great Resource?
We're always looking to expand this list. If you know of a greening, gardening, sustainability, or environmental resource that could help Francisville residents, we'd love to hear about it. Email us at greenfrancisville@gmail.com
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