Tree Takoma: Free Trees for Private Properties
Tree Takoma is the City of Takoma Park’s private property canopy tree planting program. This program uses resources in the City’s Tree Fund to offer free canopy trees to private property owners. Planting replacements for canopy trees lost on private properties around the City is an important practice for sustaining a robust urban forest.
Who can participate in Tree Takoma?
Any private property inside the City of Takoma Park city limits is eligible. The City is particularly interested in working with properties and areas of the City that have a lower tree canopy, so please help us spread the word!
How does the program work?
Tree Takoma offers both a free tree planting consultation and free native canopy trees installed on your property.
The Consultation: An Urban Forester from Casey Trees will set up a time with you to discuss the best tree locations for your property, how many trees your property can support, provide details about the tree species options available, educate you about tree care best practices, and work to confirm your tree planting plan.
The Tree Planting: After your planting is confirmed, Casey Trees will then schedule a planting date. On the day of planting, the Casey Trees Crew will return with the tree(s) and install them with a bed of mulch and a protective deer guard. The trees will be a minimum of 1.5-inch trunk diameter or 6-feet tall.
What are the Benefits of Canopy Trees?
Canopy Trees serve you and the community by:
- absorbing storm water run-off and preventing soil erosion
- cleaning our air, removing toxins
- saving money on energy costs by shading homes in summer and providing wind protection in winter
- reducing noise pollution
- providing for an appealing natural landscape
- supporting biodiversity by supporting pollinators, promoting healthy soil, and creating habitat for wildlife
- encouraging people to spend time outside, which is good for our physical and mental wellbeing
How do I sign up?
Enter your information into the sign up form linked below. Our tree planting partner Casey Trees will typically be in touch within two months to schedule an appointment. Plantings will take place during the spring or fall planting season.
Is it really free?
Yes! Both the consultation and plantings are free. You are only responsible for caring for the trees so they can lead happy and healthy lives. See our recommended Basic Tree Care practices.
What are the tree species options?
Tree Takoma offers a diverse palette of native canopy trees. Smaller ornamental trees, such as redbuds and dogwoods, are not available through this program. The exact list changes from season to season, subject to availability. Your Urban Forester from Casey Trees will discuss the recommended tree options for your property at the time of your consultation.
Canopy trees are species that fall into the Medium or Large size categories. The Takoma Park Approved Species List can be used to get a sense of what trees fit into these categories. Only a smaller selection of these species will be available from Casey Trees each season so you should wait until your consultation to get a sense of which species will be offered.
Will Tree Takoma Plantings Satisfy a Tree Removal Permit Replacement Planting Requirement?
No, a tree planting through Tree Takoma will not satisfy a replacement planting requirement for a Tree Removal Permit. If you wish to use Tree Takoma instead of a private tree planting contractor to fulfill a replacement planting requirement for your Tree Removal Permit, please choose the ‘Pay Fee-in-Lieu’ option. If you aren’t in the process of getting a Tree Removal Permit, please ignore this paragraph!
