Menu

Trees

Site Menu

Free Tree SD

Street Trees

Due to budget considerations in the upcoming fiscal year (FY25), Free Tree SD is not currently active. Thank you to all who participated in Free Tree SD. This program allowed residents and the City to work together by increasing San Diego's tree canopy cover, creating a more livable and sustainable community for all. For all tree planting initiatives, visit sandiego.gov/trees.

San Diego residents can still express interest in the program by submitting the form below. If funding becomes available, you will be notified. Please view the conditions of agreement before filling out the interest form below to receive a free tree for your parkway (the area between your sidewalk and street). You will be notified by email if Free Tree SD resumes.  

  • Location of your address must be within City of San Diego limits.

  • Resident/property owner agrees to water the tree for three years per given watering guidelines.

  • City arborists will review your parkway to determine appropriate species and quantity of trees.

  • Resident/property owner understands that driveways, street corner, fire hydrants, existing trees and other objects may limit where tree(s) can be planted.

  • Future tree locations must contain existing topsoil or natural turf as the City does not remove landscaping and does not plant in gravel or rock gardens.

 

Note: If you are altering the property adjacent to the City's right-of-way, you may not qualify for Free Tree SD. Please review the City's Policies & Planning in regards to tree planting requirements for such projects. 

Once the free tree is planted, we ask that you water it for three years during the tree establishment period. Details can be found by expanding the 'Watering Schedule' below

 

Watering Schedule

 

 

To properly nurture your tree, please follow the recommended watering schedule:

 

  • First Year: Water tree 2 times/week, using 5-10 gallons each watering.

  • Second Year: Water tree 2 times/month, using 10-15 gallons each watering.

  • Third Year: Water tree at least 1 time/month, using 10-15 gallons each watering.

  • Years After: Continue to water the tree at least once a month, and more frequently during periods of high temperatures or scarce rainfall.

  • The cost of watering your tree(s) will vary depending on the species and size of tree AND the cost is assumed by the resident/property owner.

*Indicates a required field.

 

Owner/Occupant Contact Information
Address where tree may be planted
Conditions of Agreement

You must accept the conditions of agreement to submit this form to express interest in receiving a free tree. By clicking the box below, you agree to the watering schedule noted above AND that the property for which you are requesting a tree, is in the City of San Diego limits should you receive a free tree if funding becomes available.