Planting & Caring for a New Tree

As part of our Cooling Minnesota Communities program, Great River Greening will be distributing free trees to eligible residents in Brooklyn Center, Faribault, Owatonna, and St. Paul. These trees have the power to cool your home, lower your energy costs, and improve the health and beauty of your neighborhood!

How to get a Free Tree? 

If you have any questions about the program or how to register you can contact Ollin Montes, at omontes@greatrivergreening.org.

Eligibility: 

Before signing up to receive a free tree, take a few minutes to think through the following:

1. Eligibility: Do I live in an eligible area? 

   Due to the requirements of our grant funding, we can only provide free trees to residents of eligible areas. To see if you live in an eligible area, please check your address here.  If you're unsure if you qualify, please feel free to apply and your eligibility will be screened.

2.  Permissions: Am I allowed to plant the tree in the area I’m interested in?

   Some municipalities regulate tree planting and pruning activities, so check your city’s local laws to confirm that you are allowed to plant in your desired location. If you’re a renter, you’ll want to talk to the property owner and get permission to plant before requesting a tree. 

3. Fit for a tree? Is the area you want to plant the best spot for a tree to live a long and happy life?

   Consider the spot’s proximity to buildings, power lines, other trees/vegetation and how that compares to the mature size of a new tree. You should also note how much sunlight the spot gets and if it will be easy for you to access to water your new tree.