How 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! You must submit the interest form by March 1 for spring planting and by September 1 for fall planting.
Step 3: Receive Email with Link to Tree Order Form
After submitting an interest form, you will receive an email from the Branching Out Dubuque program manager.
The email will include a link to a tree order form, training information, and guidance on how to select an appropriate tree for your yard.
Step 4: Submit Tree Order Form
To receive free trees, you must submit a tree order form.
Let us know if you need volunteer assistance!
When you submit the tree order form, there will be an option for you to request help from a volunteer. If possible, let us know in advance if you need help transporting or planting your trees.
Step 5: Get Your Free Trees!
Pick up and plant your free tree(s)!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Branching Out Dubuque, including tree care, watering tips, mulch guidance, eligibility, and volunteering.
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 | City of Dubuque
Email | 563-543-9172