As part of “a complete revegetation strategy”, the metropolis of Lyon offered 2,000 trees to local residents. An operation which should make it possible to increase the number of trees planted, including in private spaces.
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Cherry trees, apple trees, maples or oaks. Everyone could choose “their tree”. In 48 hours, the stock of 2000 plants was reserved, all were collected. An operation “free trees” launched by the Lyon metropolis in order to “greening private space”.
A young dad and his daughter came to collect their tree: “we are going to plant it in the common areas of the condominium, everyone will be able to benefit from it”. A young woman says she is delighted with the operation. “I came to get a hazelnut tree for my garden. It's free and, what's more, we are advised.”
Around the trees, city officials provide advice: “you can plant it now, it will take root over the winter. Water it well.”
The operation was a real success.
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© Marie Redortier, France 3 Rhône-Alpes
The operation falls within the framework of the nature plan voted by the environmentalist majority of the metropolis. With this plan, the metropolis wishes “mitigate the negative effects linked to global warming”. Several actions have already been carried out with the planting of trees in public spaces, “urban forest” projects are currently being implemented. According to the metropolis, “trees provide shade, absorb greenhouse gases and create refuges for biodiversity”.
We plant a lot of public space, but we also need to plant private space. We finance co-ownerships, social landlords and individuals. The more we plant, the better it is for the climate.
Bruno Bernard, president (Les Ecologistes) of the Lyonnaise metropolis
In the metropolis last year, 52,000 trees were planted. There were 60,000 in 2024. The objective is to reach 300,000 in 2025.
The “free tree” operation aimed “a complete greening strategy”according to Pierre Athanaze. The deputy in charge of the environment explains that “70% of the territory is private”. By donating trees, he considers that “it is up to citizens to become actors in the ecological transition”.
The operation will have cost the community 84,000 euros. The trees were ordered from a nurseryman in La Dombe to be distributed to people who had registered in advance. “The fact that it’s free creates a click”according to a gentleman, delighted to leave with a cherry tree. “It will also provide shade in the garden” he adds, with a smile on his lips.
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