Knox's Trees for Hartford Neighborhoods (TFHN) began in 2003 to help reverse the trend of urban deforestation in Hartford (pop. 121,578) with concentrated tree plantings city block by city block. Community organizations, residents, volunteers, Knox staff and the city forester formed an advisory committee to guide program start up and select planting sites. TFHN was promoted through partners Neighborhoods of Hartford, Inc. and Hartford 2000, initially targeting five neighborhoods that were included in the Mayor's Homeownership Initiative to increase owner occupancy of homes in the city through neighborhood improvements. City residents were recruited to carry out concentrated tree plantings of 15 to 20 trees in one or more city blocks. The intent was reforesting neighborhoods, involving residents, homeowners and tenants directly in the plantings, and fostering their stewardship of the urban forest through volunteer tree maintenance.

Originally funded by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the National Tree Trust, TFHN has engaged 300 neighborhood volunteers since March 2004. They have planted 340 trees in 22 city blocks in Hartford's neighborhoods, parks and school grounds. TFHN's unique public/private partnership affords Knox the opportunity to: (1) supplement the city's dwindling forestry budget through small scale, high-impact tree plantings; and (2) strengthen and enhance communities through the strategic use of trees. Knox has successfully implemented an effective neighborhood tree planting program that increases the public's knowledge, understanding and appreciation of trees and emphasizes the value of their role in creating healthy, sustainable communities.

Neighborhoods with at least ten residents who wish to participate in the program go through an application process. If approved, Knox will provide trees, assist in planting and train residents on proper tree care. Depending upon the suitability of a particular property, fhe following trees are available: