Income-qualified residents throughout the city of Dubuque are now eligible to receive free trees through the Branching Out Dubuque Tree-Planting Initiative. Previously, only those in certain census tract areas had been eligible.
Branching Out Dubuque is a cooperative effort between Sustainable Dubuque and Dubuque Trees Forever. It aims to plant more than 5,000 new trees in the community by the end of 2029. The initiative launched in August 2024 and is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.
Residents and property owners throughout the city who meet income eligibility guidelines can sign up to receive trees to plant on their property through a form at SustainableDubuque.org/BranchingOutDBQ or by calling 563-690-6038. Requests received by Feb. 28 will be eligible for spring plantings. Those interested in a fall planting should submit their requests by July 31.
Those selected to be included in the initiative will receive a tree, as well as mulch, a watering bag, and planting assistance at no cost. Sustainable Dubuque will also assist in choosing a tree variety that is best suited to the location’s site conditions. Trained volunteers from Dubuque Trees Forever will also be available to assist with tree planting and to provide training on proper tree care and maintenance.
Once the Branching Out Dubuque initiative is completed, it is expected to increase Dubuque’s overall tree canopy to 40%, advancing one of the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan.