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fort worth tree grant
free trees for medians, parks, commercial parkways and other public property

[Application]  [Evaluation Criteria] 

[Tree Grant Resource Guide:  Introduction, Planning, Planting, Maintenance, PDF version, Thanks]

Deadline for submission of application is September 1.  Mailing/faxing information can be found on page 3 of application.

As part of the Tree Grant Program, field grown, balled and burlapped (B&B) trees and 10- and 15-gallon container grown trees are available at no cost to be transplanted on public property within the City of Fort Worth. The following locations are eligible to receive trees: street medians, nonresidential parkways, public parks, Fort Worth Trinity Trails, and other public property including fire and police stations, libraries, and schools.



Each year, the Forestry Section awards 600 to 800 trees, weather permitting, through the Tree Grant Program for planting from the more than 1,000 trees requested. Tree Grant applications are evaluated on five criteria:
 
1) number of trees requested, 
2) location of the proposed tree planting project, 
3) level of partnership provided by the applicant, 
4) need for trees, and 
5) benefits provided by the trees received.

Because there is always a greater demand for trees than the Forestry Section can provide, these trees are awarded on a priority basis. The factors below are included in the evaluation criteria and help determine the priority status of a project.  

  • Trees that will be planted by a neighborhood group or other entity will have priority over trees to be planted by Forestry work crews.
  • Hand watering by a neighborhood group or other entity will be given priority over projects that must be hand watered by Forestry work crews.
  • Projects that will be irrigated using drip emitters or tree bubblers will be given priority over hand watering.
  • Tree irrigation water that is paid for by a neighborhood group or other entity will have priority over water that will be paid by the city.

Additionally, to be considered for these trees, applicants must meet the following minimum standards:

  • Complete a Tree Grant Application and submit it to the Forestry Section by September 1 of each tree planting season.
  • Locate utility lines prior to receiving trees. You may do this by calling 1-800-DIG-TESS.
  • Plant all trees within 24 hours of delivery, according to city tree planting specifications.
  • Provide water to the trees for a 2-year period after planting.
  • Meet with a Forester on site during tree planting to ensure the trees are being planted correctly.

The B&B trees are only available during the dormant season, usually December through March, while the container grown trees may be planted throughout spring. These trees are grown at Rolling Hills, the city’s tree farm, from seeds that are collected locally from hardy stock. The tree species are either native or well adapted to the area. The following species are currently available for transplant:

  • 2-3" Bur Oak

  • 2-3" Live Oak

  • 2-3" Cedar Elm (limited quantity)

  • 3-4" Sweetgum

  • 4-6" Live Oak

  • 4-6" Chinquapin Oak

  • 4-6" Red Oak (limited quantity)

  • 10- and 15-gallon container grown species, including Cedar Elm, Bur Oak, Bald Cypress, Chinquapin Oak, Red Oak, Live Oak (quantity and size varies by species)

Please keep in mind that availability changes quickly during tree planting season due to:

1)  projects receiving trees,
2)  popularity of some tree species, and
3)  limited quantities of other species.

Due to these factors, Forestry personnel cannot always guarantee your tree choices.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the tree grant program, check out the Tree Grant Resource Guide or contact Melanie Migura at 817.871.5739.