Local Programs for Planting a Tree

In this 3-part series, Greening Your Home, you’ll learn ways to make your home more energy-efficient while also saving you money in the long run. Caring about the environment and being “green” can be easier than you think as a homeowner. You can start today!

Here’s the final article and it’s all about how to plant trees in your yard (or common yard if you’re in a condo) for much less money.

Did you know that by adding a tree to your yard, you can increase your property value and save on energy costs?

But maybe the cost or your lack of a green thumb is holding you off.

No worries since there are some great programs in the Denver Metro Area that can help!

Why Trees Help Your Home

• Trees boost curb appeal. The presence of larger trees in yards and as street trees can add 3 to 15 percent to home values throughout neighborhoods.

• Trees can shade buildings, windows and air-conditioning units. Homes with well-situated trees can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and save 20 to 50 percent in heating costs.

• Trees can help with water drainage.

Denver Tree Planting Programs

We are very fortunate in the Denver area to have several programs to help residents acquire trees. Here are few notable ones that are free or inexpensive.

Denver Digs Trees

The Denver Digs Trees program helps residents to cultivate greener, healthier, more vibrant communities.  This unique program provides Denver residents with free and low-cost trees for planting on both private and public property. 

Releaf Westy Tree Rebate Program

The Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department offers a $60 rebate for trees planted by Westminster residential property owners that meet the program requirements. The Releaf West Program is designed to encourage residents to plant trees to improve their own property, as well as to enhance the community. Trees must be planted in your front yard and cost a minimum of $80.

Be a Smart Ash

Did you know that 1 in 6 Denver trees are ash trees, and they can be found pretty much everywhere in the Mile High City — throughout residential properties, public rights-of-way, parks and green spaces. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is destroying many of the Ash Trees throughout the Midwest. The Be A Smart Ash campaign, launched in May 2016, aims to actively educate and enlist the help of City and County of Denver residents in the process of identifying, treating and replacing ash trees both now and over the course of the next 15 years. Being a Smart Ash means that we plant new trees before losing established ones to the EAB. In fact, Denver Parks and Recreation wants to help you plant a tree. If you have room in the public right-of-way next to your property, you may even be eligible to have a free tree planted for you!

Boulder Street Tree Planting Program

If your property qualifies, the Boulder Street Tree Planting Program will plant selected trees by the street that will be 1.5 to 2 inches caliper size and 8’ to 12’ tall depending on species. (Caliper size is a measurement of the tree trunk at 6 inches above the soil line.)

Other programs and resources

Louisville Trees Rebate Form

Erie Tree Planting Programs

The Best Tree Nurseries in Denver

My Denver Tree Service

Keep a look out for any local community tree programs that might offer reduced-priced trees native to your area. Sometimes these events can be held once a year and include help with planting and how-to’s on tree care. 

Many groups are concerned with the tree canopy in certain neighborhoods and want to help homeowners plant trees.

Happy planting!