A program by the City of Butler Shade Tree Commission will help residents with yard work if they have a difficult time doing it on their own.

Donna Smith, president of the City Shade Tree Commission, said the City Neighborhood Clean Up Program will run through September and will involve volunteers mowing lawns, trimming brush and tree branches, and generally tidying up city yards.

“We wanted to start this because there are a lot of people who are unable to do yard work,” Smith said. “We talked about doing different sections of the city.”

The commission has an application on the city’s website, which can be submitted by anyone to see if they qualify for help. According to the commission, the program is designed to assist older and disabled residents with “general yard clean up.” The program will pair approved residents with volunteers who will assist them.

Smith said the program is intended for people who are over 60 years old, but the commission will consider every application that comes in. She said the work will be completed for free by volunteers. The commission is seeking middle and high school students to help with the yard work.

“To do this, we’re going to need volunteers. We’re talking to students who need service hours to help out,” Smith said. “I’d like to get a list of kids who would help out.”

Applications for the program opened June 1, and Smith said the commission has not received any submissions yet. She said, however, the commission is eager to help people in the city with their yard work, because beautifying the city can be done one yard at a time.

“We’re hoping to make better community relations,” Smith said. “It might be a one-time thing.”

To fill out an application for the program, or to sign up to volunteer for the shade tree commission, visit the city’s website at cityofbutler.org and navigate to “City of Butler Shade Tree Commission” under the “Boards and Authorities” tab.