Yard Tree Giveaway Program

Vancouver Urban Forestry distributes free yard trees through our yard tree giveaway program in the fall. Yard trees are trees planted on private, residential property in the City of Vancouver.

Thank you for your interest in the yard tree giveaway. We are accepting sign-ups to the waiting list for the 2025 Yard Tree Giveaway.

Sign up for a free yard tree

The free yard trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis by completing the online reservation form. We are now accepting applications for the waiting list. People on the waiting list will be contacted in September to get first pick of our fall selection. Add your name to the waiting list.

Selecting your tree

Tree selection will be open between September 1 and October 1. We offer a variety of medium to large trees, including evergreen and deciduous species. Trees are native and acclimated to our region. Availability includes: bigleaf maple, incense-cedar, evergreen interior live oak, Oregon white oak, ponderosa pine, giant sequioa and more!

Picking up your tree

The Yard Tree Giveaway pick-up event is scheduled for October 25, 2025. The event will be a drive-through pick-up next to the Water Resources Education Center at 4500 SE Columbia Way. Urban Forestry staff will be available to place the tree and a bag of mulch in your vehicle. If you are unavailable to pick up your tree at the event, we will attempt to make alternate arrangements to get you your tree(s).

Planting your tree

• Plant your tree by December 1 to prevent potential frost damage to the roots and allow the soil to settle throughout the rainy season.
• We provide information on proper planting and young tree care to each tree recipient.
• We will send you home with a free bag of mulch and email you educational materials to help you properly plant your tree.
• Free planting and delivery for people with limited mobility: Urban Forestry will provide yard tree delivery and planting for community members with limited mobility. Email Urban Forestry to request this service.

Choosing a planting location in your yard

Consider the space in your yard for roots, branches and access to sunlight. Trees should be planted at least:

• 10 feet from your house
• 5 feet from a property line or fence.
• 5 feet from the driveway or other paved surfaces.
• 5 feet from any underground utilities. Those can be located for you by contacting 811/Before You Dig.
• For more information on where to plant a tree in your yard, visit Right Tree, Right Place from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Summer tree care

• Water your tree twice a week, from April to September, for the first two summers.
• Soak the root zone around the tree, five gallons at a time. Use a large bucket to help measure out the water.

Who is eligible for a yard tree?

• Trees are available for planting on residential (private) property in the front, side or back yards.
• Trees must be planted within the City of Vancouver.
• To check if your property is in City of Vancouver limits, not unincorporated Clark County, simply visit cityofvancouver.us/citylimitsmap and enter your address. The answer will appear on the map under jurisdiction.
• Limit of one tree per household.
• Tree recipients must commit to watering, mulching and caring for their trees.
• If you are a renter, get approval from the property owner.
• Trees may not be planted in containers, as street trees, or to fulfill planting requirements. Street trees are trees located in the right-of-way. Reference your lot boundaries on MapsOnline. If you are interested in planting a street tree, contact Urban Forestry. City staff will measure your right-of-way and give you an appropriate list of trees to plant along your street.
• Questions? Email Urban Forestry or call 360-487-8327.

Benefits of free trees

Based on a 2023 tree canopy study, private property in Vancouver has the most potential to grow our community’s urban forest. Vancouver’s total tree canopy is only 20%, which means we are missing out on the many environmental, economic, health and social benefits that a healthy tree canopy provides. Planting trees on private property will help meet our goal of 28% tree canopy by 2047.