Trees are good for humans and the environment. They provide shade, help with air quality, keep the ecosystem thriving and more. But sometimes it feels as if we are fighting a losing battle. Between Emerald Ash Borer and other diseases, as well as pollution and development, we’re losing our green canopy. Denver property owners have three ways to qualify for free trees that you can plant on your property in the public right-of-way.
Here is what you need to know courtesy of Denver’s Office of the City Forester
Apply For a Free Tree
The Office of the City Forester has planted more than 10,000 free trees for Denver property owners who have space for a tree in their public right-of-way. Applying online is easy. Once you do, an arborist or tree professional will carefully evaluate your space and determine the best kind of tree for your property.
If you qualify, the new tree will be delivered and planted along with specific instructions for how to immediately provide the best care for your tree to ensure a healthy future.
This program is open to property owners, including businesses and condominium associations, across the city of Denver.
GAP Plan
The Office of the City Forester launched the Ash Tree Gap Removal & Replacement Program to remove and replace smaller, poor-condition ash trees in the public right-of-way throughout the city.
Currently, the program is focused on Denver’s southwest and northeast neighborhoods, although anyone interested in this program can apply online.
Forestry Neighborhood Initiative
The Denver Forestry Neighborhood Initiative is dedicated to pruning or removing trees that pose a risk to public safety. This initiative also includes planting trees in the public right-of-way, as space allows. The program is currently focused on specific neighborhoods in southwest Denver.
Property owners who qualify for a free tree or for tree maintenance at their property will receive a letter and a postcard from the Office of the City Forester outlining which service(s) they qualify for and how to claim them.
However, everyone in Denver is eligible for a free tree planting, so property owners can apply online if they think they have space in their public right-of-way.
Trees provided free by the Office of the City Forester are a public amenity and must be planted in the public right-of-way, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the opportunity to plant a tree in your yard.
If you are looking to add a tree to your yard, consider this list of trees researched and approved by the Office of the City Forester that do well in our unique climate.
For more information about any of these programs, email tree@denvergov.org or call the Denver Office of the City Forester at 720-913-0651.