The city is accepting applications for its 2025 Tree Giveaway!
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Aug. 26 or until all trees have been claimed. Tree distribution will be on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Bannerwood Sports Park.
New Application Process
This year, the Tree Giveaway application process has been updated to allow applicants to choose the tree species that best fits their unique planting conditions.
After applying, applicants will receive an email to access the tree ordering form and select the tree species they would like to receive. Applicants will be able to order trees starting Aug. 1 (or earlier if living in priority canopy areas). Don’t wait to submit your application until the tree ordering form opens—applicants will be sent reminders to order their trees when the ordering form is available.
The application and order form will close Aug. 26, or after all trees have been claimed. Participants will receive trees at this year’s distribution event on Oct. 25 at Bannerwood Sports Park.
Before applying, please take a look at our species list to find the right tree for your space.
Program Overview
The Tree Giveaway Program helps Bellevue maintain our citywide canopy cover goal of 40% while strategically increasing canopy in neighborhoods with fewer trees. Read our Tree Canopy Assessment for more information on tree canopy distribution across Bellevue.
Since 2021, our program partners Amazon and 300 Trees have helped the City of Bellevue offer free trees to community members, helping everyone in our community access the benefits of a healthy urban forest. To date, the program has distributed over 3000 trees to residents and community organizations.
This Fall will mark our fifth annual giveaway. Program participants receive:
- Free trees (up to two for residents, and up to 20 for community organizations)
- Training on proper planting and care
- Optional (but recommended!) free tree watering bag and mulch
- Optional "We Love Our Trees" yard sign (quantities limited!)
Why Participate?
Urban tree canopy has a host of environmental and health benefits. A healthy urban canopy can mitigate flooding, take pollutants out of our air and watersheds, and keep neighborhoods cool during heat waves. As we prepare for the impacts of climate change in the next decades, including hotter and more intense heatwaves, healthy, equitably distributed tree canopy is a critical tool in ensuring Bellevue is a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.
Right Tree, Right Place
The City of Bellevue believes in planting the "right tree in the right place." Selecting a tree species that matches the characteristics of your planting site promotes healthy growth and minimizes maintenance costs and damage to infrastructure.
When selecting your tree species, consider:
Structures
- Are there aboveground power lines that may interfere with the tree at maturity?
- Will the tree be a safe distance away from structures? Trees should be planted 30 ft away from corner curbs, 20 ft from streetlights and other trees, 10 ft from buildings, and 5 ft from driveways, sidewalks and property lines. Also consider how your tree’s mature size will fit in your space.
- Are there underground utility lines that may be disrupted? Always call 811 before you dig to get these marked for free!
Environmental Factors
- How much sun does your desired planting location get?
- Does your soil drain well, or does it retain moisture?
Benefits
What benefits do you want to receive from your tree?
I want to provide as many benefits to my neighborhood as possible!
If you have the space, we encourage you to plant one of our large native trees. These heavy hitters take lots of greenhouse gases out of atmosphere and uptake large amounts of pollutants and stormwater.
We recommend:
- Coast Redwood
- Douglas Fir
- Bigleaf Maple
I want a small tree to fit in a compact space or under powerlines.
We recommend:
- Vine Maple
- Pacific Wax Myrtle
- Black Hawthorn
I want a flowering tree with all-season appeal.
- Pacific Wax Myrtle
- Magnolia ‘Brackens Brown Beauty’
I want a tree that produces edible fruit.
- Serviceberry
I want to save money on my utility bill during the summer and block wind during the winter.
- Western Cedar ‘Excelsa’
- Douglas Fir
- Coast Redwood
Check out our tree catalog for more specific species considerations.
Planting and Caring for Your Tree
Learn about how to plant a tree the right way before you bring it home.
- How to Plant a Tree Guide (also available in español and 中文)
- 5-minute How to Plant a Tree Video, where you can watch us plant a tree (subtitled versions available in español, Русский, 한국인, 繁體中文 and 简体中文)
Equity
Trees offer many benefits, such as flood prevention, improved air quality and increased shade that helps keep neighborhoods cool. However, Bellevue's current tree canopy is not evenly distributed. While the city as a whole boasts a tree canopy cover of 40%, coverage in certain neighborhoods is as low as 11%. In general, historically marginalized communities have historically also had fewer mature trees.
Using information from our 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment, priority canopy areas were identified for this year's giveaway. The 2025 application process gives residents in these areas an earlier tree ordering window.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I rent my home. Can I apply?
Renters are encouraged to apply for trees with property manager approval! Multifamily properties can apply for up to 20 trees through our organizational application.
Q: I have accessibility constraints and can’t attend the giveaway/plant my tree.
Due to limited staff capacity, we are only able to offer delivery or planting in very specific circumstances. You can request this accommodation on the application. If you are able, please have a friend or family member pick up your tree instead. Contact us at trees@bellevuewa.gov for more information.
Q: Can someone else pick up my tree for me?
A: Yes! We will send you an entry ticket after you sign up for a time slot or join the waitlist, and if necessary, you may forward the ticket to the person picking up your tree. They must present your ticket in order to pick up your tree. If the pick-up person is also getting a tree, they may pick up your tree as well as their tree at the same time, even if you signed up for different pick-up appointment times.
Q: Can I still pick up my tree if I miss my pick-up appointment?
A: Yes, as long as you arrive before the event ends on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m., as ALL leftover trees are given out to waitlist participants at the end of the event.
Q: Will the trees fit in my car?
A: In general, the trees we give away should fit in all standard cars. A bicycle with a sturdy trailer can work too. Trees will come in 5-gallon pots and stand between 3-8 feet tall. If your trees are particularly tall, the end may stick out through an open rear window or trunk window.
Q: How long can I wait to plant my tree after I receive it?
A: In general, the sooner you can plant your tree, the better. We recommend waiting no more than two weeks before planting.
Q: If I miss this year's event, can I get a free tree elsewhere?
A: Yes! The City of Bellevue holds a tree giveaway every year - sign up here to be notified of future events. In addition, 300 Trees holds a free tree giveaway every March - sign up here for their newsletter to be notified of their events.
Renters
Individual Renter Households can get up to 2 Free Trees; Multifamily Properties can get up to 20 Free Trees
Renters living in a single-family home or multifamily buildings, such as a condo, townhome, or apartment, can apply through the resident application (available summer 2025). Written consent from the property manager or owner will need to be submitted. Residents can receive up to two trees per household.
Multifamily housing property owners or managers can apply through the organization application (available summer 2025). Multifamily properties can receive up to 20 trees.
Community Organizations and Schools
Get up to 20 Free Trees
Trees are also available for local businesses, schools, and community organizations! Eligible community organizations include places of worship, non-profits, small businesses, schools, and other organizations providing a community benefit. Community organizations may receive up to 20 trees for their properties. We can also work with you to help determine the right number and type of trees for your available space.
Please feel free to contact us directly or indicate on your application if you would like a consultation, or to schedule a site visit. During our consultation we can review site conditions (amount of space, any obstacles, etc.) as well as summer watering and maintenance plans.
Please email trees@BellevueWA.gov with any questions you may have. You can apply for trees through the organization application (available summer 2025).
Educational Opportunities
Is your group interested in learning more about trees and sustainability in Bellevue? Contact trees@BellevueWA.gov to schedule a workshop.
Tree Care and Requirements
Tree Care and Requirements
Trees are living, growing things and require some ongoing care to thrive, especially in the first few years after planting. We will provide resources on tree planting and care for young trees as well as summer watering reminders to help you succeed. To ensure your tree has the best chance of growing up healthy, we ask that you commit to the following actions to prepare to adopt a new tree:
- Choose the right tree for the right place. If you have a larger space, we encourage you to consider planting a larger tree.
- Properly plant your tree, water your tree each summer for 3-5 years and care for your tree for its life
- Assume future responsibility for maintenance, including summer watering, pruning, raking, etc.
- Learn about the basics of tree care to help your tree thrive! View our training video and resources on tree planting.
Volunteer to Help
Help Us Plant Trees
We will need assistance from volunteers when we distribute trees, as well as help with delivery and planting for selected residents and community organizations. If you'd like to volunteer to help at our distribution event or plant trees for people who need assistance, sign-ups will be available in September to help. No experience is necessary, and we will provide training. Volunteers must be age 14 or over.