The City's Neighborhood Tree Planting Program
Thanks to a federal urban forestry grant, the City of Colorado Springs Forestry Division is introducing Grow Shade Together, a program that offers free tree planting to eligible residents in pre-identified, low canopy areas of Colorado Springs. Residents in the program area who have recently had a City tree removed in front of their home will receive first priority for replanting. Consult the Grow Shade Together grant boundary map below on this page to determine if you might be able to participate.
What to Expect
- Applications are open until March 18, 2026. Applications received after this date will be added to the list for consideration for fall 2026 planting.
- Residents who have recently had a tree removed in front of their home will receive post cards in the mail and door hangers on their front door notifying them of their priority eligibility.
- You select your preferred planting location. Staff foresters will review and approve the site, including completing utility location.
- Planting will occur April 20 – May 22, 2026. You will receive a window of time for planting for your neighborhood
Prefer to submit a paper application? Call the Forestry Division at 719-385-5942 to request one.
Program Area Map
The map below displays the Grow Shade Together grant area boundary, outlined in green. Please use the search bar in the top left corner of the map to input your address and verify if it falls within the grant area boundary to participate in the Grow Shade Together program.
Program Details
Participating in Grow Shade Together includes options for having a tree planted both in the City right-of-way near an address or on private property.
Trees in the City Right-of-Way
The City plants trees along streets between the sidewalk and the curb. Residents may request that a tree be planted in one of these areas as part of the Grow Shade Together program.
Requirements
- The right-of-way area where the tree is to be planted must measure at least 5 feet across
- Site must be free of any underground utility conflicts. Utility Locates will be called to assess the area prior to any work performed.
- Residents may indicate their top three preferred tree species from the Grow Shade Together Approved Trees for City Right-of-Way Planting list. City Forestry reserves the final determination on the species to be planted.
What the City provides
- Tree planting will be performed by City contractors
- The City will manage establishment watering (the duration will be specified seasonally)
- Mulch, stakes, wraps
Trees on Private Property
Residents may also request that a tree be planted in eligible locations on private property. Trees available to be planted on private property include a greater selection of trees, including some fruit trees.
Requirements
- Site must be free of any underground utility conflicts. Utility Locates will be called to assess the area prior to any work performed.
- Resident must select a location with enough space for the tree's mature size
- Residents may indicate their top three preferred tree species from the Grow Shade Together Approved Trees for Private Property Planting list.
What the City provides
- Tree planting will be performed by City contractors after the signing of a liability release form
- The City will provide tree care materials likes mulch, stakes, wraps as the selected species requires
- City Forestry will provide instructions on care
Questions?
Call City Forestry at 719-385-5942 or email at Forestry.OperationsMain@ColoradoSprings.gov if your question is not answered below.
Why was my tree removed?
A tree in the City right-of-way (ROW) adjacent to your property was removed by ISA-certified arborists due to safety, health, or infrastructure concerns.
If I've had a tree removed recently, am I eligible for a replacement tree?
If you live in the grant area boundary (confirm by typing your address into the map above on this page) and have recently had a tree removed, yes, your property is eligible to receive a replacement tree at no cost. Trees will be planted by a professional, licensed contractor.
Eligible residents will likely receive a post card in the mail and a door hanger on their front door with information about the program.
Where can the tree be planted?
Trees can be planted both in the City right-of-way and on private property. See the "Program Details" section above for specific information about the differences between each type of location.