New in 2026: Eligibility Expanded Citywide!
In addition to homeowners and businesses located in designated eligibility areas, income-qualified residential property owners anywhere in the city can now sign up to receive free trees!
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
There are two ways to qualify for free trees!
Location Verification: Type your address into the interactive map to determine if your property is located in a designated Branching Out eligibility area.
OR
Income Verification: To qualify by income, residents must have an annual income below 80% of the area median income. Find out if you income-qualify!
Step 2: Fill Out the Interest Form
If your property is eligible or you income-qualify, fill out the interest form!
Step 3: Confirmation Email
After submitting an interest form, you will receive a confirmation email from the Branching Out Dubuque program manager.
Step 4: Submit Tree Order Form
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
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: Get Your Tree(s)!
Pick up and plant your free tree(s)!
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