Treefund
Vancouver’s Tree Refund Program
Every tree planted in Vancouver increases neighborhood livability, adds to the values of our homes, decreases stormwater runoff, and reduces our energy costs. Plant a tree and receive a refund for improving your community.
For a Greener Vancouver
The 2011 city of Vancouver tree canopy study found a loss of almost 300 acres of tree canopy on residential property in just seven years. Two-thirds of Vancouver is privately owned or managed, and it’s where there is the greatest potential to grow.
The Treefund program encourages the planting of quality trees that will benefit our community long into the future. Treefund is made possible by the city Tree Account where donations, penalties, and mitigation funds are deposited so that trees can be planted throughout the city. No General Fund monies are allocated to the program.
Plant a tree and receive a 50% refund, up to $50, for up to 5 trees per lot. Existing or new COV Utility eBilling customers receive up to $100 back on your first tree, up to the cost of the tree.
How Treefund Works
Yard Tree Refund
Pick a tree
View a list of approved yard trees. Approved yard trees are medium to large trees at maturity. If you want to plant a yard tree that is not on the list, contact Urban Forestry prior to purchase to determine eligibility.
Visit your local nursery, purchase your approved yard tree, and properly plant it in your yard within the City of Vancouver.
Save your receipt and submit an application.
Complete your application form and submit by mail to:
City of Vancouver Urban Forestry
PO Box 1995
Vancouver WA, 98668
City staff will visit the tree at your site and you will receive your refund by mail.
Street Tree Refund
Apply for a permit
Apply for a street tree work permit prior to purchasing your tree. City staff will measure your right-of-way and assign you an appropriate list of trees to plant along your street. View the list of approved street trees.
Visit your local nursery, purchase a tree form the assigned list and plant it in the approved location.
Save your receipt and submit an application.
Complete your application and submit by mail to:
City of Vancouver Urban Forestry
PO Box 1995
Vancouver, WA 98668
City staff will visit the tree at your site and you will receive your refund by mail.
Planting size
To be eligible for a Treefund, your new deciduous tree must be at least 1.5 inches in diameter at the time of planting and your new conifer must be at least 4 feet tall.
To determine the diameter of your tree, hold up a ruler to the trunk, 6 inches above the root flair.
Eligible Trees
- Planted at a residential property within the City of Vancouver
- At least 1.5 inches in diameter when measured 6 inches above the soil line.
- Must be at least 6 feet at time of planting if tree is a broadleaf, or 4 feet tall if a needle tree. Measurement is from the soil line to top of tree.
- Planted with space to reach full mature size.
- Examples of eligible species include:
- Douglas fir
- Garry Oak
- ‘Autumn Gold’ Ginkgo
- Bigleaf Maple
- Tuliptree
- Incense Cedar
For a complete list of eligible trees, view the yard tree and street tree lists below.
Ineligible trees
- Trees planted outside City of Vancouver limits
- Trees not meeting planting size requirements, both at planting as well as at maturity
- Trees planted with Friends of Trees
- Trees planted to satisfy mitigation or development requirements
- Any tree not on the approved planting list; contact Urban Forestry if you have questions about trees not on the list
- Dwarf fruit and nut trees
Planting your tree
It’s important to plant your tree properly to make sure it survives, and thrives. View the guidelines below and view this website for a detailed description of planting your new tree.
- Plant your tree during the rainy season, typically November through March.
- Make sure to remove all tree packaging before planting, including twine, burlap, tape, and metal.
- Plant only as deep as your trees root flare-this is where the first major root emerges from the trunk.
- Water your tree 15 gallons per week during the dry months, typically May through October. End weekly irrigation after the third summer.