Put your green thumbs up: There's more trees going into the ground in Portage la Prairie this year.

The city is planting about 400 trees, or double the usual annual output, after receiving a $25,000 grant through the CN EcoConnexions 'From the Ground Up' program. The additional trees available allows residents to apply for planting on boulevard space.

"What we'll be looking for is any members of the public that would have space or a need for a boulevard tree in front of their house," explains City Parks Manager Dave Green. "The only stipulation is it has to be planted on city property. But anybody can apply, as long as you have a boulevard, (which is) city property in front of or beside your house."

Several types of trees are available for planting, including: linden trees, maple trees and fruit trees.

Some boulevard locations may not be acceptable for tree planting due to space restrictions or underground utility, Green adds. Sites will be reviewed and determined adequate for planting by the city's parks department.