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, so 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.

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 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 page.

Fall planting 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

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.

Upcoming Events

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Group of 18+ volunteers in red t-shirts smile and present a newly planted tree in a park on a sunny day
24 Oct

Mile High Tree Champions Planting

Group of 18+ volunteers in red t-shirts smile and present a newly planted tree in a park on a sunny day
11 Oct

Mile High Tree Champions Planting

Six women sit at a round table, writing letters and showing their letters to the camera with big smiles
22 Oct

Fall Appeal Volunteer Event

Child in coat holding a worksheet about animal habitats, while looking at a tree truck outside in the snow
11 Oct

Pocket Forest Tree Planting

Two women standing behind a table with The Park People logo and literature
19 Oct

Tabling at Hilltop Halloween Festival

Group of 12 volunteers in coats, gathered around a newly planted tree at a park
18 Oct

Young Tree Care Workshop