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 not yet accepting reservations for the 2025 event.

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 not yet accepting reservations for the 2025 event. Visit this page in summer 2025 for mote details.

Picking up your tree

The Yard Tree Giveaway pick-up event is not yet scheduled for 2025. The event will be a drive-through. Participants will choose a tree in advance. 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.

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.
• Please Note: 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 and we will assist you.

What kind of trees are available?

We offer a variety of trees ranging from medium to large form trees that are native and acclimated to our region and include evergreen and deciduous species. View the list of available trees.

When choosing a species, consider the space in your yard for roots and branches and access to sunlight.

Tree planting location

Yard trees should be planted at least: 10 feet from your house, five feet from a property line or fence, and five feet from driveway or other paved surfaces. Make sure to plant at least five 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.

Tree planting and care

We provide information on proper planting and young tree care to each tree recipient. We will also send you home with a free bag of mulch and email educational materials that will help you properly plant and care for your tree. You can get a head start by checking out tree planting and care instructions here. You can also watch the summer care video.

Free Planting and Delivery for People with Limited Mobility: Urban Forestry will provide yard tree delivery and planting for community members with limited mobility. Please email Urban Forestry to request this service.

Benefits of free trees

Based on a 2021 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 21%, 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.