It has been a rough year for trees in Butler.

On top of many trees needing maintenance to avoid interference with utility wires, the storms and severe weather situations have damaged and killed many trees in the city throughout the year.

In response to the loss of trees, the Butler City Shade Tree Commission is starting a program where residents with enough space in their yards can get a free tree planted. All they have to do in return is take care of their adopted tree, which normally greatly increases the survival rate of the plant.

“The adopt-a-tree program is meant to replant the city,” said Diane Smith, chairwoman of the commission. “A good survival rate for trees planted is only 80%, but it really depends on people taking good care of them. That's why we call it the adopt a tree program, because someone needs to take care of it.”

According to Smith, the commission will let residents with an area of at least 4 by 6 feet in their front yards select a tree from a nursery to be planted. The tree will be relatively small when planted, but Smith said the species available to choose from, such as ginkgos, planes, maples and honey locusts, grow quickly. These types of trees are also fit for street-side planting.

“Even planting a smaller tree, it will catch up with a bigger tree pretty quick,” she said. “The size depends on type of tree, but we want it to be about two inches in diameter. If you get anything much bigger the roots won't be able to support it.”

Smith said members of the shade tree commission took inventory of the city's trees, and found about 100 that are on personal property that are dead. Many of them will have to be taken down, which can have a negative impact on more than just one person's yard.

“Taking them all down is not always the best option for a tree,” she said. “The overall canopy of the city is important.”

Smith said the commission is aiming to have at least 10 city residents adopt trees this year. It is planned to be an ongoing program, so if the commission gets 10 adoptions a year, it will be a good start to improving the city.

“A pretty decent tree that is going to make a good addition to a yard and property,” Smith said. “There are a lot of reasons for trees; it cleans the water, it cleans the air and it provides shade.”

Property owners interested in adopting a tree can call the City Shade Tree Commission at 724-209-8899 or email butlercityshadetree@gmail.com, and a member of the organization will help with the selection, delivery and installation of a tree.