Free Trees for Hilltop, Eastside, South End and South Tacoma neighborhoods.
Branch Out is a tree giveaway collaboration between the City of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program, the Tacoma Tree Foundation, Pierce Conservation District, and a dynamic network of community partners working together to grow a healthier, more connected, and equitable urban forest in the Tacoma area. More than just a tree giveaway, Branch Out is a platform for community building, storytelling, and shared action at the intersection of trees, public health, and social equity.
We believe everyone deserves the benefits of tree-lined streets, clean air, and cooler neighborhoods. We also recognize that Tacoma’s tree canopy is unevenly distributed, often leaving historically underserved communities more vulnerable to pollution, extreme heat, and continued disinvestment. Branch Out directly addresses this inequity by bringing trees—and the support to care for them—into neighborhoods that need them most.
Residents in our focus neighborhoods can sign up in October to receive FREE TREES for their property in November, as well as request planting support from our volunteer teams.
Tree species are dependent on availability. We will be offering large shade trees, utility-friendly trees, evergreen and deciduous trees, along with resources from Harvest Pierce County.
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Reduce tree canopy disparities by expanding access to trees for historically marginalized communities where public tree planting is not possible.
Increase total urban canopy coverage to improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance community well-being.
Ensure strategic investment of public funds by targeting tree distribution to maximize public benefit while complying with municipal policies.
Provide choice and flexibility to accommodate different property sizes and homeowner preferences while balancing cost-effectiveness and impact.ion text goes here
Read about how we are measuring our impact on Tacoma’s tree equity here
BRANCH OUT TIMELINE
Early September -Tree Requests Open
Early October -Tree Requests Closed
Early November -Tree Delivery
Early November - Planting Event
Be a Branch Out Volunteer
We would love help from volunteers of all ages to plant on residential and public properties. No experience is required! By offering planting assistance we lower barriers to tree planting across the Tacoma area. Join us!
Tree Stewards are community tree champions who help grow and protect Tacoma’s urban canopy. Through our free training program, stewards learn proper planting techniques, tree care best practices, local regulations, and how to answer tree-related questions.
Tree Stewards help the Foundation implement and maintain neighborhood plantings. By sharing their expertise with neighbors, Stewards also support the Foundation’s mission to educate and empower community members in the Tacoma area and, in the long term, they help preserve the city’s urban forest.
Promote Branch out by becoming your neighborhood’s Tree Steward
This program is rooted in partnership and community. With funding from the City of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program, our partnership supports the long-term growth and stewardship of Tacoma’s tree canopy.
For more information on tree placement, visit:
https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=12283
For more information on tree care, visit
Branch Out is funded by the City of Tacoma and supported by the Pierce Conservation District. We are also grateful to the following sponsors, which help us to cover additional administrative costs.
