Bringing Free & Low-Cost Trees to All Denver Residents
For over 40 years, Denver Digs Trees has helped plant more than 65,000 beautiful, life-giving trees across our city. Our goal? To grow a healthier, greener Denver—one tree at a time. Whether you own or rent, live in a house or an apartment, this program is for everyone. Trees are for all.
How It Works
Trees for All:
Each spring, we offer free and low-cost trees to residents across all Denver neighborhoods. Trees can be planted in the Public Right-of-Way or on private property. To be considered you must:
- Submit an application
- Plant at a Denver address. All residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools are eligible.
- Allow enough space for your tree(s) to grow to maturity
- Take the Tree Pledge
Not in Denver? Explore the Tree Sale.
Applications open in January and trees go Fast!
In select neighborhoods, we host fall tree adoption events.
Recent areas include:
Barnum, Barnum West, Valverde, Villa Park, and West Colfax.
Email Lindsay@theparkpeople.org to talk to us about facilitating an event in your neighborhood.
More Than Just Trees
Yes! We offer an expertly picked selection of trees for almost any space, AND we’re here to support you and your tree before, during, and after pick-up. When you participate, you get:
- A menu of trees in different shapes and sizes to choose from
- Assistance with the permitting process (street trees only)
- Easy-to-follow planting and care instructions and workshops
- Ongoing support and education
- Planting assistance (available on a sliding scale)
We’re here to help your tree thrive long after it’s planted.
Program Schedule and Fees
We spend over $200 to provide a tree. However, our generous sponsors help to cover much of this cost so you pay less for your tree!
Program fees:
- $15 in low-canopy neighborhoods
- $50 in all other neighborhoods
- $0 with submission of a "Treeship" request
Schedule:
- Early January: applications available
- February 15: applications close
- Early April: approval notifications sent
- April 17-19, 2026: Pick-up and planting!
Why Trees?
Trees are the air conditioners in our city – cooling our homes, other buildings, and paved surfaces with their shade and through evapotranspiration.
They’re serving the functions of a multi-million dollar stormwater facility, slowing the flow of water through our landscapes and reducing flooding.
They’re filtering out pollutants from air and water
They’re serving critical functions mitigating and adapting to climate change by sequestering carbon and cooling and protecting the health of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
They’re protecting biodiversity, providing habitat for local wildlife as well as migrating birds and pollinators.
Studies show that trees support our physical and mental health by encouraging us to spend time outdoors and to have active lifestyles.
Tree planting activities provide valuable opportunities for community building and creating social networks among neighbors, which supports the social fabric of our communities and our capacities to cope with and adapt to challenges.
Landscaping including trees can increase property value by 20-30%.
People are willing to spend more time and money in business areas with nice tree cover.
Ready to Dig In?
Join the Denver Digs Trees movement!
Apply for a tree, browse available trees for purchase, or find answers to your questions.
