Apply for Trees

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. 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 or trees 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 stewardship (care) plan.

What Does It Cost

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

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

Standard Neighborhood: $50 per tree
Focus Neighborhood: $15 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.

Locate Your Neighborhood

Important Dates

January through April

First week of January - Feb 15: applications open
Early April: check your email for information about your application status
April 17-18 (tentative): trees are available for pick-up and planting (NOTE: we do not have a nursery, trees are only available during this window so make plans accordingly)
April 19: Earth Day Tree Sale open to the public

Missed this season? Sign up here to receive an email or postcard notification when applications open again.

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.
We offer both street and yard trees.
Street trees are 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, less than 10 feet from the curb.
Yard trees are for planting 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.

What kind of trees do you offer?

We focus on medium and large shade trees and offer limited numbers of smaller fruit and ornamental (flowering) trees.
We work with the Office of the City Forester to select species that will perform well in Denver’s urban environment.
Check out the latest tree menu.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out our resources pages.

Fall Adoptions run July - September in select neighborhoods only

Recent areas include Barnum, Barnum West, Valverde, Villa Park, and West Colfax
Program Fees: $15 for low canopy neighborhoods, $50 for all others

Remind me!

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 opportunities to volunteer on site and be featured on our website and newsletter. Contact jillian@theparkpeople.org or call us at (303) 722-6262