Request a Tree for Your Park Strip!
You Water. We Plant — For FREE!
Join the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Division in enhancing our city’s vibrancy!
By simply agreeing to provide adequate water, we’ll plant a tree in your park strip (the space between the street curb and sidewalk) at no cost. Together, we can make our city an even better place to live, work, and play.
Request a tree below and we’ll come plant during the dormant season (November-April) to utilize winter’s regular rainfall, ensuring a stress-free start for your tree.
We are currently accepting requests for the 2027-2028 planting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why plant a tree?
Trees are crucial to our Salt Lake City landscape. They offer shade in our increasingly warmer Summer months, help filter our air, provide habitats for other organisms, and filter water through their root systems… just to name a few reasons why!
What species of tree will be planted?
Urban Forestry plants trees ideal for Salt Lake City. Most of the chose trees have been proven to preform well in Salt Lake City’s climate while others are species tailored to our local conditions. Arborists from the Urban Forestry Division determine the tree species based on the best fit for your park strip and neighborhood.
If you have a preference, note it in your request; we do our best to accommodate, though it’s not guaranteed.
When can I request a tree?
You can make a request anytime! Urban Forestry plants during the dormant season (November to April).
What does the timeline look like?
Urban Forestry plants trees during the dormant season (November-April). Applications received prior to October 1 will have trees planted in the following dormant season (depending on supply). If your application is received after October 1, your application will be at the top of the list for the following year.
Example: Tree requests made between Oct. 2, 2026, and Oct.1, 2027, will have trees planted between Nov. 2027 and April 2028.
How will Urban Forestry contact me?
The Urban Forestry Division will keep you updated about your tree request via letter.
If you’ve made a request, expect your tree to be on the list for the next dormant season. Additional questions? Give our office a call at 801-972-7818
Who can request a tree?
Anyone. You can suggest a spot in any city park or park strip, even if you’re not the neighboring homeowner. However, the neighboring homeowner must provide approval before planting. In your application, you will be asked to provide the homeowner’s contact information.
Remember – all tree requests come with a promise to water. If it’s not your home, either you or the homeowner should commit to providing water for the new tree.
How many trees can I request?
Urban Forestry plants trees 30 ft. apart. You can have as many trees as your park strip will accommodate!
What are the requirements to request a tree?
To request a tree, you must live within the lines of Salt Lake City, have a park strip over 2ft. wide, and be committed to watering your tree.
Is there anything I need to do before my tree gets planted?
All we ask is that you ensure specific landscape elements that you don’t want disturbed are moved. Please include any concerns in the notes of the form.
Why was my request denied?
It is rare that Urban Forestry is unable to accommodate a tree planting request. We cannot plant trees in park strips that are less than two feet wide or completely covered by hardscape. Additionally, the location of utilities or other existing trees may prevent the planting of a new tree. You will be contacted if we cannot fulfill your request.
What if I can’t fill out the form electronically?
No worries! If you are unable to electronically fill out an application, please contact us at 801-972-7818 or [email protected] for a physical application.
Will my landscape be negatively impacted by the tree planting process?
No heavy equipment is used to plant trees. The hole is dug with hand tools, and only the immediate area (about five feet in diameter) around the tree will be disturbed.
Our crews take great care in leaving the area better than they found it.
How do I care for my new tree?
Newly planted trees require watering 2-3 times each week. Lawn sprinklers do not provide adequate water for tree roots that are deeper than lawn roots. You will receive a watering guide in the mail that includes specific details about how to care for your new tree. You can also visit How to Water a Tree for details.
