Planting a tree in a city park is a unique way to say “I love you,” a great way to solve gift-giving problems and is a wonderful tribute to a loved-one or friend.

Trees can be given as presents for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's and Father's Day or gifts for any occasion. They also are prefect remembrances to honor a friend or relative. Many offices give trees instead of flowers for funerals or as memorials.

And it's a gift or tribute that can last through several lifetimes.

“Plant a tree in a city park in honor of your loved one,” said Greg Hayes, Forestry Commissioner. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Each time you stroll through the park and see your tree grow and change with the seasons, it’s like getting the present again.”

Planting a tree in a city park is a wonderful way to honor a loved one and also provide a gift for the whole community. Trees are planted in public parks so everyone can enjoy the shade, beauty and enjoyment a living tree provides, Hayes said.

The Forestry Division has created “Tree-Membrance” as a way for people to honor or remember a loved one. Trees cost $125 and can be planted in any city park, including Forest Park.

Tree-Membrance trees will adhere to the park’s landscaping plan. Trees will have trunks ranging from 1 and a half to two inches in diameter at the time of planting and there are three types to choose from: shade, flowering or evergreen.

Trees ordered between January 1 and June 30 will be planted in the fall planting --between Nov. 15 and Jan. 31.

Trees ordered between July 1 and Dec. 31 will be planted between Feb. 1 and April 30.

The Forestry Division can notify the honored person that a tree has been purchased and will be planted in their name, if the giver notes this on the application form.

After planting, the Forestry Division sends a map with the location of the tree noted. Each tree is tagged with the name of the person to whom the tree is dedicated and the species of the tree.

The trees have a 5-year replacement guarantee. If the tree should die within five years of its original planting, please notify the Forestry Division and they will schedule a replacement tree to be planted during the next planting season.

To participate in the Tree-Membrance program, call Christine McCarthy, urban forester, at the Forestry Division at 289-5318 and request an application.

A printable order form is available by clicking on the link but it must be filled out and mailed to:

Tree-Membrance Program Coordinator
1415 N. 13th St.
St. Louis, Mo. 63106