Trees for Greater Tacoma
At the Tacoma Tree Foundation, we believe that working together builds a better community. Below are opportunities located in Tacoma, Pierce County, and the South Sound region. By building partnerships with the communities, municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses in these areas, we connect people with trees and native plants to not only keep our area green but also increase the collective green space available. Whether you are a house owner, a renter, a business, or an industry in Tacoma, Puyallup, or unincorporated Pierce County, there is a way for you to participate.
Grit City Trees
Goal:
To grow Tacoma’s tree canopy equitably through community tree planting.
Outcome:
Free street trees and supporting materials (TAGRO, watering supplies, etc) for your right-of-way.
Organizing Entity:
City of Tacoma
Target Audience:
Tacoma Residents (individual homeowners, neighborhood groups, renters w/ landlord permission)
Program Timeline:
July - August/September: Program accepts applications
October - November: Applications receive their trees and supporting materials
Contact:
City of Tacoma Urban Forestry
Lisa Kenny
(253) 502-2138
trees@cityoftacoma.org
Tree Coupon
Goal:
Financially support individuals in expanding the region’s tree canopy through residential tree plantings.
Outcome:
$30 off up to three trees to plant anywhere on your property.
Organizing Entity:
City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Utilities, and Pierce County
Target Audience:
Pierce County Residents (individual homeowners throughout all of Pierce County)
Program Timeline:
October - March: request your coupon and receive it in the mail. Redeem coupon at participating nurseries by March 31st.
Contact:
City of Tacoma Urban Forestry
Lisa Kenny
(253) 502-2138
trees@cityoftacoma.org
Depave
Goal:
To address the #1 source of pollution in the Puget Sound by transforming paved spaces into green spaces.
Outcome:
Vibrant green space that replaces pavement.
Organizing Entity:
Pierce Conservation District and City of Tacoma
Target Audience:
Pierce County Wide (individuals, businesses and/or community groups)
Program Timeline:
Apply anytime. Paved areas on private property or in right-of-way eligible. Receive free project assistance which includes: landscape design assistance, permit assistance, and so much more!
Contact:
Pierce Conservation District
Melissa Buckingham
(253) 845-9770
melissab@piercecd.org
Urban Tree Sale
Goal:
Aims to help residents in Tacoma, Puyallup, and unincorporated Pierce County receive discounted trees.
Outcome:
Discounted trees to plant anywhere on your property. ($10-30 per 5 gallon tree)
Organizing Entity:
Pierce Conservation District and City of Tacoma
Target Audience:
Pierce County Residents (Puyallup, Tacoma, and unincorporated Pierce County Residents)
Program Timeline:
July - August/September: Program accepts applications
October - November: Applications receive their trees and supporting materials
Contact:
Pierce Conservation District
Melissa Buckingham
(253) 845-9770
melissab@piercecd.org
Branch Out
Goal:
This fall event involves distributing free trees to residents in the City of Tacoma and the Greater Urban Area, and offering delivery and planting assistance from volunteers.
Outcome:
Tacoma and surrounding urban areas benefit from increased tree canopy coverage and individuals are supported by increasing accessibility to trees.
Organizing Entity:
City of Tacoma, Tacoma Tree Foundation, Pierce Conservation District
Target Audience:
Residential property owners in the Tacoma urban area
Program Timeline:
Fall
Contact:
Tacoma Tree Foundation
info@tacomatreefoundation.org
Green Blocks
Goal:
A neighborhood-specific program that includes community outreach about tree selection, planting, delivery, and planting assistance in areas with low tree equity. Focus neighborhoods rotate.
Outcome:
A neighborhood-focused effort that results in fostering community bonds while creating cooler, safer, and greener streets.
Organizing Entity:
Tacoma Tree Foundation, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, other local governments
Target Audience:
Residential property owners in selected neighborhoods.
Program Timeline:
Spring (2025–2027): Hilltop
Spring (2025): Parkland-Midland
Fall: Rotating neighborhoods
Contact:
Tacoma Tree Foundation
info@tacomatreefoundation.org
Seasonal Tree Shares
Goal:
“Pop-up” tree giveaways that happen 4-5 times annually. Tree shares are posted on the TTF calendar. We hold tree shares in partnership with diverse organizations and for a variety of reasons.
Outcome:
Neighbors and community hubs are connected and provided with trees and shrubs that are accessible to transport, plant, and care for.
Organizing Entity:
Tacoma Tree Foundation
Target Audience:
Residential property owners in the Tacoma urban area
Program Timeline:
Fall Winter Spring
Contact:
Tacoma Tree Foundation
info@tacomatreefoundation.org
Community Education
Goal:
Learn about trees and the benefits of greening Tacoma directly from local experts. Subject areas range from stewardship of our urban trees (Tree Stewards Training) to civic engagement (Tacoma Pierce County Climate Leadership Cohort)
Outcome:
Residents feel informed, supported, and motivated to contribute to their neighborhood’s tree health and community health.
Organizing Entity:
City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Tacoma Tree Foundation
Target Audience:
Pierce County and Tacoma residents who are interested in supporting their local tree canopy.
Program Timeline:
Year-round
Contact:
Tacoma Tree Foundation
info@tacomatreefoundation.org
