Grit City Trees is Tacoma’s annual free street tree program, providing residents with trees to enhance neighborhoods and improve community wellbeing. Since its revitalization in 2016, the program has focused on proper tree placement, long-term care, and equitable access. From 2016 to 2023, Grit City Trees has distributed 1,867 trees, with 60% planted in areas identified as having the greatest need according to Tacoma’s Equity Index Map.

The program’s mission is to grow healthier, happier neighborhoods by focusing on tree planting in Priority Planting Areas—neighborhoods with historically low tree canopy coverage and limited resources. While priority is given to these areas, all Tacoma property owners with eligible right-of-way spaces are encouraged to apply. Together, we’re building a greener future for Tacoma!

Purpose: Free street trees and other supporting materials for eligible Tacoma residents.

Eligibility: Tacoma property owners with right-of-way planting areas or renters with landlord permission; Priority given to areas with low to moderate opportunity (per Tacoma’s Equity Index). This program does not support permit compliance for development or tree removal requirements.

Program Details: Offers free trees, delivery, case-by-case planting support, and watering supplies.

Best for: Tacoma residents wanting to plant trees in the public right-of-way and participate in group applications with neighbors.

Timeline: Applications open in July and close first week in September; tree delivery and planting assistance occur in October–November.

Approved applicants will receive:

• Free street trees to be planted in the right-of-way.
• Other supporting materials to help your trees thrive including: tree stakes, ties, TAGRO (compost), and watering supplies for the dry months.
• Free delivery of all trees and supporting materials.  We are able to accommodate delivery of 150 trees. If tree requests exceed this amount, we will prioritize deliveries for:
  • Neighbors who organize and apply together as a Neighborhood Group.
  • Individual applicants in Priority Planting Areas.
  • Remaining applicants must pick up trees and materials from the City’s plant holding facility.
• Application assistance, as needed.
• Planting assistance if needed – due to staffing constraints, this is available on a limited basis.
• Planting Permit submittal on your behalf, after application is approved.

July: Applications Open

September: Completed applications are due the first Monday in September.

Urban Forestry staff reviews applications and approved applicants are notified with tree delivery details at the end of the month. If we are unable to provide you with a tree this year, be sure to reapply for the 2025 Grit City Trees Program or consider applying to our Tree Coupon Program.

October-November: Delivery of Grit City Trees is tentatively scheduled for mid-late October. Tree planting assistance is tentatively scheduled for late October – early November. More specific details will be included once your application is approved.

May of the following year: Urban Forestry Staff and our partners will distribute watering supplies to individual applicants and neighborhood groups.

Applications are currently closed and will open again July 2025. If you would like to be notified when applications open, please email trees@tacoma.gov. Although applications are currently closed, you can still prepare by completing Steps 1-3 below!

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

This program is funded by Tacoma Surface Water Utility rates and the General Fund. You must  plant trees provided through this program in Tacoma city-limits. Additionally, trees must be planted in the right-of-way adjoining property that you are the owner of. The “right-of-way” is the space between the edge of the road and the edge of the property line. In many instances, this looks like a “planting strip” or plantable space between the road and sidewalk, however, your property may still have plantable right of way at the back of your sidewalk, depending on where your property line is located.

To see the extent of your right-of-way, check out Tacoma’s DART map.  For assistance on how to use Tacoma’s DART Map, please review this guide.

Step 2: Decide on your application type

Neighborhood Group Applications: If you and at least two other neighbors (within a two-block distance) are interested in Grit City Trees, apply together and we will deliver your trees!

• As a group, you will need to designate a Group Lead. The Group Lead will receive your group’s delivery of trees and supporting materials (TAGRO, tree stakes, tree ties, and watering supplies).
• Each group member will submit applications separately but will select the “As a neighborhood group” option when prompted on the application.

Individual Applications: We encourage individual applications, too! Please note, there is a limited availability of trees. In the rare occasion that we cannot fulfill all applications, preference is given, first, to those in Priority Planting Areas (neighborhoods identified as “Moderate”, “Low” to “Very Low” Opportunity on Tacoma’s Equity Index) and group applications.

• Should we exceed our delivery capacity, approved individual applications outside our Priority Planting Areas (neighborhoods identified as “Moderate”, “Low” to “Very Low” Opportunity on Tacoma’s Equity Index) will be required to pick up trees from the City of Tacoma Plant Holding Facility at the Recycling and Transfer Center.

Step 3: Gather details of your planting site

• You will be asked to provide the width (in feet) of your planting strip or right-of-way planting area. To see the extent of your right-of-way, check out Tacoma’s DART map.
• You will be asked to upload an image that displays the placement of your potential tree(s). We recommend using Tacoma’s DART Map to create your tree planting plan. When you have marked the map accordingly, take a screenshot and upload that image. For assistance on how to use Tacoma’s DART Map, please review the guide in Step 1.
• You will be asked if you have overhead power lines above the area being planted.
• You will need to request marking of your underground utilities. You can do so by calling 8-1-1 or submitting your request online. This free service is a requirement that helps you stay safe and not damage underground utilities during tree planting. You will be prompted to provide a utility locate number on your application.

Step 4: Ready to apply!

Our Grit City Trees application has gone digital! This digital platform allows us to expedite the review and approval process. If you need application assistance please contact trees@tacoma.gov.

You will be notified if your application is approved no sooner than three weeks after applications close.

Step 5: After approval, get ready to plant!

Applicants will be notified of the number and type(s) of trees they are approved for.

• Individual applicants will need to coordinate a pick-up time, if we exceed our delivery capacity.
• Group Applications will be notified of their delivery date.
• Visit our Tree Care & Planting Resources web page for more guidance on planting tips to give your trees the best chance at long-term success.

Tree species are subject to change given unforeseen conditions. If tree availability changes, we will reach out to program participants with updated tree substitutions.

If your space allows, consider planting a large tree for maximum tree canopy impact! Large trees are community assets that do more to help keep neighborhoods cool during the hottest days, manage stormwater runoff, slow neighborhood traffic, provide mental health benefits, and so much more.

• Trees for large planting areas (8+ feet wide, from the edge of curb to sidewalk/property line): Suggested spacing between trees: 30 feet from the center of the trunk.

White Oak, Quercus alba, deciduous
Italian Oak, Quercus frainetto ‘Schmidt’, deciduous. Only four available. 

• Trees for medium planting areas (6-7 feet wide, from the edge of curb to sidewalk/property line): Suggested spacing between trees: 20-25 feet from the center of the trunk.

Cork tree, Phellodendron amurense ‘Longnecker’, deciduous
Limber pine, Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’, evergreen
Deodar cedar, Cedrus deodara, evergreen
City Sprite® zelkova, Zelkova serrata ‘JFS-KW1’, (powerline friendly), deciduous
Cornelian cherry dogwood, Cornus mas, (powerline friendly), deciduous
Kentucky coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS‘, deciduous

• Trees for small planting areas (4-5 feet wide, from the edge of curb to sidewalk/property line): Suggested spacing between trees: 15-20 feet from the center of the trunk

Thornless cockspur hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli, (powerline friendly), deciduous. Only two available.
Japanese Lilac, Syringa reticulata ‘Summer Storm’ (powerline friendly), deciduous
Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba-multiple varieties, deciduous
Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica ‘Tupelo Tower’, deciduous
American hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana, deciduous

Why Plant a Tree?

• Trees directly contribute to the City of Tacoma’s goal of achieving 30% tree canopy cover by 2030. Currently, Tacoma has an average tree canopy cover of 20% (the lowest assessed canopy cover in the Puget Sound region).
• Trees directly improve your health, and the health of your community.
• Trees help capture and reduce air pollutants, improving overall air quality in your neighborhood. Trees let you breathe easier!
• Trees keep you cool by reducing temperatures on the hottest summer days, saving you money on your utility bill.
• Trees help reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing by giving you relief from stressors of the urban environment.
• Trees build community. While not required, we encourage you to talk with your neighbors about planting Grit City Trees together as a neighborhood.

I am a renter, can I participate in this program?

Thank you for considering the Grit City Trees Program! You are welcome to apply, however, only applications with a signed Tree Care Agreement (PDF or online submission) from the property owner will be approved.

I have tree requirements due to a development related and/or tree removal permit, can I participate in this program?

No. Grit City Trees is designed to support homeowners who want to go above and beyond with their tree planting efforts. While we encourage everyone to plant more trees, this program isn’t set up for permit compliance needs.

The Tree Coupon Program helps Tacoma residents plant trees to create a healthier, greener community. By offering discounts at participating nurseries, the program makes it easy for homeowners to select and plant the right tree in the right place. Trees provide countless benefits—cooling neighborhoods, managing stormwater, improving air quality, and adding beauty.

Launched in 2011 and expanded to Pierce County in 2016, the program is now supported by Tacoma Public Utilities and City stormwater utility funding. Together, we’re working toward the City’s goal of increasing tree canopy cover to 30% by 2030.

Purpose: Discounts on tree purchases for residential planting (up to three trees per household).

Eligibility: Pierce County residents; trees purchased can be planted on private property or right-of-way adjacent to private property.

Program Details: $30 off each tree, redeemable at local nurseries. Requires a free tree planting permit if planting in public right-of-way.

Best for: Homeowners seeking discounted trees for private property, including those outside Tacoma city limits within Pierce County.

Timeline: Redeemable October–March; request by March 15.

Limitations: One-time use per property parcel every three years, trees must be in a 5 gallon pot or larger at the time of purchase, and eligible trees for coupon redemption must reach over 15 feet at maturity.

Tree Coupons are for one-time use per residential property. If you have redeemed a tree coupon in previous years for your property, you will not be eligible to receive a new one. If you are a new owner of a property that already had a coupon issued to it and would like to plant more trees, please contact us at trees@tacoma.gov. Due to limited coupon quantities, if you lose your original coupon we cannot offer replacements.

Coupons are valid at participating tree retailers during the program season, for $30 off each five-gallon or larger tree, for up to three trees per coupon/property.  For the purposes of this program, trees are woody plants whose height is greater than 15 feet at maturity. Coupons are valid from October 1 through March 31.

For residents wishing to plant their trees in the Right-of-Way (planting strip), a no-fee permit is required and can be submitted online or in person. Please consult our Planting in the Rights-of-Way web page for more information. Visit our Tree Care & Planting Resources web page for information on how to properly plant and care for your tree. 

To review more details on the program history, statistics, and testimonials from participants, view the previous end of Season Reports:

2019-2020 Tree Coupon End of Season Report

2018-2019 Tree Coupon End of Season Report

GardenSphere
3310 North Proctor
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 761-7936

Calendula Farm and Earthworks Nursery
5111 36th Avenue E
Tacoma, WA 98443
(253) 468-8900

Vassey Nursery
2424 Tacoma Road East
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 841-3550

Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery
6211 Pioneer Way East
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 845-7359

Alpine Nursery
17518 79th Avenue E
Puyallup, WA 98375
(253) 847-7078

Rosedale Gardens
7311 Rosedale Street NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 851-7333

Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery
5919 78th Ave NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 857-6808

Gordon’s Garden Center
308 East Yelm Avenue
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-2481

Redeem your coupon from October 1 through March 31 of the following year at select partner nurseries. The last day to request a coupon is March 15.

Tree Coupon requests for this season has officially closed. If you would like to be notified when the 2025 -2026 season begins, please fill out this request form. If you have any questions, please reach out to the City of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry team (trees@tacoma.gov). Thank you for your commitment to trees throughout Pierce County!

Tree coupons are valid for $30 off each tree purchased, up to three trees per coupon, at select local tree retailers. These trees are for residential property and may be planted on your private property or in right-of-way (such as planting strips) abutting your property.

• Limited to one coupon per household/property parcel, valid for the purchase of up to three trees per coupon.
• Lost coupons cannot be replaced.
• Only Pierce County residents are eligible at this time due to the source of funding.
• The minimum redemption value is $30 (or less if the purchase price is less than $30).
• The maximum redemption value is $90.
• Eligible trees for redemption must be both: (1) in a 5 gallon pot or larger at the time of purchase and (2) must reach over 15 feet at maturity.
• The coupon does not cover tax for the purchase of the tree(s). All tax must be paid by the coupon bearer.
• Coupons are for one-time use by an owner. Multiple requests (more than one year) for a single property are ineligible.
• Coupons are valid for the purchase of trees only.
• The coupons are not transferable or redeemable for cash.

• Anticipated height and width at maturity
• Plant deciduous trees on the southwest or southeast side of your home for summer shade and winter sun
• Plant evergreen trees to block winter winds
• Call 811 before you dig the hole for your new tree to make sure you won’t hit utility lines
• Plant small (max height 25 feet) trees under power lines
• Water new trees from April to October for three years following planting to establish roots
• Watering bags or buckets and soaker hoses helps save water
• Water in early mornings or late evenings

1. Red oak, DBH: 64-in (Wright Park)
2. Mockernut hickory, DBH: 33-in (Wright Park)
3. Red maple, DBH: 36-in (Wright Park)
4. Narrow-leaved ash, DBH: 38-in (Wright Park)
5. Paper birch, DBH: 39-in (Wright Park)
6. European ash, DBH: 30-in (Wright Park)
7. Plume Sawara cypress, DBH: 25-in (Wright Park)
8. Spanish chestnut, DBH: 61-in (Wright Park)
9. American chestnut, DBH: 53-in (Wright Park)
10. Giant sequoia, DBH: 83-in (Wright Park)
11. Coliseum maple, DBH: 41-in (Wright Park)
12. Rock elm, DBH: 38-in (Wright Park)
13. Silverleaf magnolia, DBH: 31-in (Wright Park)
14. Tuliptree, DBH: 70-in (Wright Park)
15. English field maple, DBH: 29-in (Wright Park)
16. Horse chestnut, DBH: 39-in (Wright Park)
17. Pond cypress, DBH: 22-in (Wright Park)
18. Sugar maple, DBH: 62-in (Wright Park)
19. Montpelier maple, DBH: 22-in (Wright Park)
20. English oak, DBH: 43-in (Wright Park)
21. Bigleaf maple, DBH: 53-in (N. Orchard St)
22. Giant sequoia, DBH: 147-in (Jefferson Park)
23. Tulip tree, DBH: 67-in (S. M St)
24. Coffin tree, DBH: 15-in (N. K St)
25. Douglas fir (The Mountaineer Tree), DBH: 92-in (Point Defiance)
26. Eastern white pine, DBH: 33-in (Point Defiance)
27. Pin oak, DBH: 35-in (Wheelock Library, N 26th St)
28. Cedar of Lebanon, DBH: 59-in (Rust Mansion, N I St)
29. Sweetgum, DBH: 48-in (N 16th St)
30. Giant sequoia, DBH: 86-in (South Park, S Tacoma Way)
31. Coast redwood, DBH: 65-in (N Sheridan)

Please view Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 9.20.400 Heritage Trees for qualification and nomination criteria.

To be considered for heritage designation, all nominated trees must be in healthy condition and have the express permission of the property owner, or adjacent property owner in the case of public right-of-way trees. To submit your nomination, please fill out the online survey.

If you’re unable to complete the survey above, but would still like to nominate a tree, download the fillable PDF, complete, and email or mail to:

Tacoma Urban Forestry
Heritage Tree Program
Center for Urban Waters
326 E D St
Tacoma, WA 98421

• Trees buckling sidewalks but which are otherwise not a public hazard (i.e. the sidewalk is a hazard but not the tree).
• Private property trees not causing a public hazard or determined to be causing only a private hazard.
• Power line or utility conflicts (call Tacoma Power at 253-502-8729).

1. If you believe that your scenario might qualify for assistance by meeting the conditions above, please call 311 or file a “Tree Issue” submission using the Tacoma FIRST 311 mobile app.
2. A City of Tacoma representative will assist you through the process to determine qualification. If both the tree and property meet the qualifications, the application will proceed to the next phases (Assessment and Mitigation).
3. The City will work with the applicant throughout the entire process.