Operation Green Streets aims to restore shade

Have you registered for your free tree yet? The Operation Green Streets website is now up at http//:operationgreenstreets.tamu.edu, or call 877-512-TREE (8733).

It only takes minutes for residents of Jasper, Hardin, Jefferson, Newton, Tyler or Orange counties to register. You must promise to plant the tree promptly and water weekly for the first two years.

You must register by Oct. 5. Trees will be available for pick up in Jasper at the rodeo grounds Nov. 10. You will receive a postcard reminder and must bring photo identification; only one tree per household.

The Texas Forest Service says trees reduce your cooling bill and reduce noise, clean the air you breathe and increase property values.

This is a joint project of the USDA Forest Service and Texas Forest Service, to help "re-shade urban areas of Southeast Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita."

Shari Gunter of Keep Jasper Beautiful says these will be substantial trees in a nursery pot, not a bare root sapling.