Application period for the Trees for Neighborhoods program is now open through July 31
Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) announced a new expansion of the Trees for Neighborhoods program to support the planting and maintenance of more trees, helping grow a healthy tree canopy throughout the city.
“Trees provide immeasurable health and climate benefits for our communities, and we are acting with urgency to plant and care for the next generation of our urban forest,” said Mayor Harrell. “For over 16 years now, the Trees for Neighborhoods program has helped engage residents in the shared stewardship of our tree canopy, resulting in over 15,400 trees planted at homes, schools, community gathering spaces, and more. I’m proud that we can expand this program to reach new trees on private property to help equitably grow our canopy and create a healthier, greener neighborhoods throughout our city.”
Apply for the Trees for Neighborhoods Program
Created in 2009, the Trees for Neighborhoods program gives residents free trees to plant in their yards and along the street with the goal of increasing the city’s tree canopy. The program also provides technical support to select the right tree species and location for planting, training on how to plant and care for the tree, supplies like watering bags and mulch, and free workshops.
The expansion will allow residents with young trees planted during development, as required by the tree ordinance, to enroll to receive tree care reminders. Residents who enroll will receive information on the care and stewardship of the newly planted tree, including summer watering reminders and technical support. These reminders have helped thousands of residents care for their trees by providing timely information on their tree’s needs during the 5-year critical establishment period for young trees.
Watering young trees during the summer months remains critical to their survival. During the hot, dry season, residents should give young trees 15-20 gallons of water twice a week. Using a watering bag or 3-4 five gallons buckets with small holes in the bottom allows water to drip out slowly and sink deeply into the soil, making the water more accessible to the tree and conserving water use. Spreading a layer of mulch/wood chips in a doughnut shape around the base of young trees also helps to conserve moisture and protects the tree from damage.
With temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s this week, residents with young trees on their property are encouraged to water their trees and can sign up for reminders on tree care here.
The program has a high survival rate for newly planted trees: 88% of street trees planted in 2014 have survived past ten years. This high survival rate reflects the program’s strategies to support residents in the care and maintenance of their young trees.
“Seattle Public Utilities is excited to expand tree care reminders in the popular Trees for Neighborhoods program. This expansion will help bring other trees to our impressive survival rate of nearly 90% of street trees. Ensuring that trees thrive is critical to Seattle,” said Andrew Lee, SPU General Manager and CEO. “Trees help slow stormwater and keep Seattle’s water clean. They help create a healthy and vibrant community by providing shade, cleaning the air, and defining a sense of place. This One Seattle policy approach will benefit our diverse communities and the environment.”
“Trees are essential climate infrastructure that provide lasting benefits to our communities, from reducing heat during summer months to improving air and water quality,” said Lauren Urgenson, Urban Forestry Policy and Programs Manager at the Office of Sustainability & Environment. “Expanding the Trees for Neighborhoods program is an important step toward achieving our city’s goal of 30% tree canopy cover and ensuring every neighborhood has access to the benefits trees provide. Through innovative public-private partnerships like Trees for Neighborhoods, we’re building a healthier, more resilient future for all Seattle residents.”
The program is one of the City’s many tools and partnerships to maintain, protect, and expand Seattle’s tree canopy and urban forest. In recent years, Seattle has nearly doubled tree plantings as part of a broader effort that has added 30,000 new trees through public and private initiatives since 2022.
Using a $680,000 investment from the 2025-2026 budget, the City plans to open a new tree nursery this fall to provide 500 trees locally every year. This effort supports the city’s tree canopy, climate resilience, and stormwater management goals.
Community Testimonials on the Trees for Neighborhoods Program:
“My seven-year-old son loves our Trees for Neighborhoods tree like a pet. He keeps a reminder in his bedroom and refills the bag twice a week all summer long. He’s proud of the tree’s growth. We love seeing our boys and the tree growing together.” – Derm Hikisch, West Seattle
“I love my Trees for Neighborhoods watering reminders because now every day I think about whether my trees need water or not. I know that I would forget otherwise. Also, I didn’t realize how much water trees needed before we became a part of this program, so that has been really helpful!” – Kelly Chavez, Mt. Baker
“We love our tree! It is growing really well, and the guidance about how and where to plant it was extremely helpful. We learned a lot in the process. It’s nice to get the reminder postcards, both for the nudge to water and because it reminds me to go down and see how much it’s grown. Without the instructions about the importance of regular watering in the early years, we would have undoubtedly underwatered and our tree would not be thriving the way it is today. We would love to plant another one, we just have to figure out where to put it!” – Claire and Jesse Taylor, Wedgwood