Free Trees for Residents

flowering dogwood sapling in residential yard

Plant a tree at home and help bring trees to your neighborhood! Trees clean the air, provide shade, fight climate impacts like extreme heat(PDF, 2MB), and improve the health of our community.

In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the city's urban forestry program is excited to offer no-cost native trees to residents. Orders through our Community Canopy Program can be placed on the Arbor Day Foundation website from March through May and September through December, while supplies last.

Order a free tree

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Am I eligible for a free tree?

All city residential households are eligible to participate in the tree giveaway program. Free trees are limited to one per residential address per season, or two trees total per year. Tree orders are processed in sequence through the Arbor Day Foundation website, while supplies last.

When are trees available?

The city's tree giveaway seasons align with recommended timing for planting and establishing trees in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. Residents are notified of orders opening and closing through official city communication channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and mailings.

Spring giveaway season: March - May
Fall giveaway season: September - December

*Please note, actual distribution dates may vary based on average temperatures and weather conditions.

How big are the trees when they ship?

Trees shipped by the Arbor Day Foundation are 1-gallon container size, or about 6-12 inches tall. Trees distributed at in-person giveaway events may be up to 3-gallon container size. These smaller tree sizes are prioritized for cost-effectiveness and ease of establishment versus larger trees. Tree height at maturity varies by species and growth conditions.

What species are available?

Tree species available to order will vary season to season pending nursery availability and cost. Trees are specifically selected by the city's urban forest manager for suitability in residential yards and other desirable qualities (e.g. native range, wildlife benefits, tolerance to urban stressors, low soil volume requirements).