Apply For Trees

**WOW! Our Fall Tree Application opened today and we sold out of most species in just 6 hours.**

 While we are thrilled to have such an overwhelming response, we have paused the application while we evaluate our ability to accept new requests. 

If you already successfully submitted an application, or if you have already been in touch about an error message,  don’t worry, we will reach out soon with a status update. 

If you were not able to start an application yet, stay tuned, we may be able to take additional fall requests OR you can wait until January and apply for Spring planting. 

You can also visit our FAQ to find answers to common questions.

The right tree planted in the right place is good for the health and well-being of your body, your house, and your community. Yard trees shade and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home, resulting in lower energy bills and lower carbon footprint. They also enhance property values and provide shelter for birds and other wildlife. Further, street trees not only beautify our neighborhoods but calm traffic, lower crime, improve air and water quality, and buffer noise.

Who Is Eligible

Denver Digs Trees is open to anyone regardless of income or address as long as the tree(s) will be planted within the City and County of Denver. If you are applying to plant at a space you do not own, we may ask for additional information such as permission from the owner and/or a year-round, long term tree care plan.

What It Costs

On average, each tree costs The Park People over $200 to provide. However, our generous sponsors help to cover much of this cost, so you pay less!

• Standard Program Fee: $50 per tree.
• Focus Area Program Fee: $15 per tree (automatically applied to addresses in low canopy neighborhoods).

**Low tree-canopy ‘Focus’ neighborhoods are: Athmar Park, Auraria, Baker, Barnum, Barnum West, Chaffee Park, Clayton, Cole, College View/South Platte, East Colfax, Elyria-Swansea, Five Points, Globeville, Green Valley Ranch, Jefferson Park, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Montbello, Northeast Park Hill, Overland, Ruby Hill, Skyland, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, Westwood, and Whittier.Locate Your Neighborhood

Where can I plant my trees?

Trees need room to grow. Follow these spacing guidelines to find the best place to plant your tree or trees.
ONLY yard trees are offered in the Fall. (Both street and yard trees are available during the Spring Distribution- Apply in January!)
Yard trees are for planting on private property. These trees may be planted in front, back, or side yards. For sites without a ‘tree lawn’ yard trees are planted 11 feet or more from the curb.

What kind of trees do you offer?

We focus on medium and large shade trees, but also offer limited numbers of smaller fruit trees and ornamental (flowering) trees for confined spaces or for planting under power lines.
We work with the Office of the City Forester to select species that will perform well in Denver’s urban environment.
Preview the Fall 2026 tree species here.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out our resources pages.

Important Dates

Fall Yard Tree Distribution: August – September

• Aug 3 – Aug 20: applications open for Fall Yard Tree Distribution.
• Early September: check your email for information about your application status.
• September 12, 9am- 11am: pick-up and planting! +Early access to shrub sale for program participants (NOTE: because we do not have a nursery, trees are only available during this distribution).
• September 12: 11:30am – 1pm: Waitlist Applicants can claim a tree from any remaining inventory. Plus the Yard Tree & Shrub Sale is open to the public.

Spring Tree Distribution: January -April

• Jan 5- Feb 15: applications open For Spring Tree Distribution.
• March: Application Review, Street Tree Site Inspections, Free Workshops (expect email & text communications from Park People staff and volunteers).
• April: Tree Vouchers arrive via email with your application status and pickup, and planting details.
• April 23- 24, 2027* (tentative), Morning: pick-up and planting! +Early access to fruit tree sale for program participants (NOTE: because we do not have a nursery, trees are only available during this distribution).
• April 24, 2027* (tentative): Afternoon: Waitlisted applicants may claim a tree from any remaining inventory, Fruit & Yard Tree Sale open to the public.

A Few Tips on the Application Process

To make sure there are enough trees to go around, there is a maximum of five trees per household on the online form. If you have a large property and want more than five, please contact us to review your request and/or submit a paper application.

Be sure to add ‘theparkpeople.org’ to your contact list so our emails don’t go to spam!

A credit or debit card is required to complete the online application. When you submit online, a charge will be processed while we review your tree request. Any trees paid for which are not granted will be refunded.

If cost a barrier for your household, not to worry! If the program fee is more than you can afford, you can request a Treeship on your application. When you do, a temporary $15 hold per tree will be placed on your card. Once your Treeship is approved this cost will be fully refunded to you. (Please note: Treeships will only be approved for individual households, organizations are not eligible)

No card? No Email? No problem at all! We want everyone to have access to Denver Digs Trees. If you don’t have a credit or debit card, you can click here to download and print a Paper Application Form ( Haz clic aquí para imprimir un formulario de solicitud en español). View application instructions and species here. or reach out to us: (303)722-6262 or info@theparkpeople.org to request a paper application be mailed to you. Then, mail or drop off your completed application to our office along with your payment (check or money order) before August 15.

Join us!

When you become a Denver Digs Trees Program Sponsor, you elevate your image (gain exposure) within the community. You’ll be featured on our social media, with additional opportunities to volunteer on site and be featured on our website and newsletter. Contact jillian@theparkpeople.org or call us at (303) 722-6262