Find out if you are eligible to receive free trees!
Residential property owners and business owners in the Branching Out eligibility areas may sign up to receive one or more free trees.
NEW ELIGIBILITY OPTION IN 2026! Eligibility is now open city-wide to households, residents and rentals with low-to-moderate incomes.
Step 1:
There are 2 ways you may be eligible for free trees! Type your address into the interactive map (location verification button) or determine if your household income qualifies you, regardless of location (income verification button).
Step 2:
If your property is eligible or you income qualify, fill out the interest form below.
Step 3:
After submitting an interest form, you will receive a confirmation email from the Branching Out Dubuque program manager.
Step 4:
In the email from the program manager, there will be a link to a tree order form. Submit the tree order form by July 31 for fall planting or January 31 for spring planting.
Step 5:
Attend a tree planting session, and let us know if you need a volunteer to help transport or plant your tree(s).
If you’d like to volunteer to help plant trees throughout the city, please check out opportunities with Dubuque Trees Forever!
Step 6:
Pick up and plant your free tree(s)!
Want to work FOR and WITH some incredible young people? Passionate about trees and working outdoors? TRC is the job for you!
Teen Resiliency Corps positions will open in early Spring 2026! Check back then!
What To Expect
No Cost to You
The tree(s), mulch, watering bag, training, and planting assistance are all FREE!
Tree Selection
We will work with you to choose suitable tree varieties based on your property’s site conditions and your preferences.
The following varieties are problem trees and are prohibited from this program: Blue Spruce, Ornamental Pear, Ornamental Cherry, Ornamental Crab, all Ash Trees, Norway Maples, Hybrid/Freeman Maples, and any tree hardiness zone 5 or greater.
Volunteer Assistance
Trained volunteers with Dubuque Trees Forever are available to assist those who need help with transportation and/or planting!
Training
Never planted a tree before? No problem! All participants will attend a one-hour tree planting session. We also share informational resources and videos about tree planting and care.
Education Materials
About Branching Out
Planting over 5,000 Trees in Dubuque
5-Year Program: 2024 - 2029
Dubuque’s Branching Out initiative is taking root with a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service to plant over 5,000 trees throughout the community.
This collaborative effort, led by Sustainable Dubuque and Dubuque Trees Forever, aims to increase the city’s tree canopy from 26% to 40%, advancing one of the goals of Dubuque’s Climate Action Plan. It also supports Dubuque Trees Forever’s commitment to creating a vibrant and sustainable impact.
Contact:
Laurana Snyder, Environmental Justice Tree Coordinator lsnyder@cityofdubuque.org