Denver Digs Trees

The Denver Digs Trees program helps residents to cultivate greener, healthier, more vibrant communities. This unique program provides Denver residents with free and low-cost trees for planting on both private and public property. We offer a variety of species carefully selected for Colorado's climate and the urban environment.

Over the past 38 years, this special program has provided more than 60,000 trees to Denver residents, helping to enhance quality of life in our community. Trees combat climate change and reverse the urban heat island effect by shading and cooling our homes and streets. They lower utility costs, beautify our neighborhoods, encourage slower traffic speeds, improve air and water quality, and much more...

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Basics of the Program

Denver Digs Trees Logo

Denver Digs Trees focuses on providing medium and large sized shade trees for planting within the City of Denver. ALL Denver residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools are eligible to apply.

In order to support the health and survival of your tree, please follow these TREE SPACING REQUIREMENTS very carefully!

Not sure how to care for your tree? We provide free planting and care guides, as well as offer free planting and care workshops to all tree recipients.

Find answers to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, including information about applying for trees, the size and transport of trees, planting and care, and more.

Program Fees

On average, each tree costs The Park People $150 to provide. However, our generous sponsors help to cover much of this cost so you pay less for your tree! We believe that everyone should have access to the benefits trees provide, and cost should not be a barrier to planting the trees our neighborhoods need.

The per tree program fee is based upon the neighborhood where the tree will be planted.

Standard Neighborhood: $35 per tree

Focus Neighborhood: $10 per tree**

Applicants facing financial hardship may request a 'Treeship' to receive free trees

**Lower 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. Click here to FIND OUT WHICH NEIGHBORHOOD YOU LIVE IN

Resources

Planting Instructions Tree Care Guidelines Frequently Asked Questions

Yard Trees

For planting in your yard (on private property)

These trees may be planted in front, back, or side yards. At a site without a 'tree lawn' these are any trees planted 11 feet or more from the curb.

Yard trees can shade and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home, which results in lower energy bills and less carbon released into the atmosphere. These trees also enhance property values, buffer noise, and provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Street Trees

For planting along the street (in the public right-of-way)

These trees may be planted either in the 'tree lawn' (area between the sidewalk and the curb) or, in the absence of a tree lawn, at a distance of 10 feet from the curb.

Street trees beautify our neighborhoods and improve our quality of life, including traffic calming, decreased crime, improved air and water quality, lower home energy bills and enhanced property values.

Our 2022 Program Sponsors and Partners:

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