Community Canopy Program

We offer a limited number of FREE trees each year to community members for planting on private property through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Canopy Program. Since 2017, we've given out 5,000 trees to over 2,700 community members in 15 municipalities. This program has been made possible by our partners. Funding for 2023 and 2024 will be provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic will be prioritized as Community Canopy partners.  

How It Works

Community Canopy uses a research-based, easy-to-use online mapping tool that takes the guesswork out of tree planting site selection. By entering simple information about a home and yard, the tool calculates where to strategically plant trees for the greatest cooling, energy, and money saving benefits.

Fall Events

  • Thursday, September 19, 3:30-5:30pm: St. Johnsbury School
  • Saturday, September 21, 10am-12pm: Winooski Department of Public Works
  • Saturday, September 28, 10am-12pm: Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant

Eligibility

Residents of Newport (city and town), St. Johnsbury and Winooski.

Trees

Trees will be available for pick up at the dates and locations above. They are grown in 2 gallon pots and range in size from 4-8 feet tall. A truck is not necessary for pick up. You may register for up to two trees.

Species include:

  • American hornbeam/musclewood
  • Red bud
  • Red maple
  • River birch
  • Serviceberry

8/30 Update on Trees for Newport: 25 trees remain to be reserved. Only river birch and American hornbeam/musclewood are available. 

Tree Pick Up Event in Windsor

Registration

Register for your free tree(s) at the link below.

Register here

Trouble with registration? Call Gwen at 802-656-7638 or gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu. 

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Gwen Kozlowski at gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu or 802-656-7638 by September 1, so we may assist you.

  • Community Canopy Pick Up Event

    Community Canopy Pick Up Event

  • Community Canopy Pick Up event in Bellows Falls

    Community Canopy Pick Up event in Bellows Falls

  • Tree Pick Up Event in Burlington

    Tree Pick Up Event in Burlington

  • Community Canopy Trees

    Community Canopy Trees

  • Community Canopy Trees

    Community Canopy Trees

  • Tree Pick Up Event in Montpelier

    Tree Pick Up Event in Montpelier

  • Brattleboro Tree Committee Volunteers

    Brattleboro Tree Committee Volunteers

    Tree Benefits

    Planted tree in Essex

    When planted properly, a single mature tree can save a homeowner up to 20% on energy costs. For homes without air conditioning, shade trees can make the home feel cooler during summer heat. Planting trees can also:

    • Reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint
    • Improve air quality
    • Reduce stormwater runoff
    • Provide food and shelter for wildlife
    • Add to a home’s property value

    About The Program: Planting For Impact

    Community Canopy Cumulative Report Graphic

    Using research from the Vermont Department of Health, we selected partner communities in Vermont that are most vulnerable to heat-related illness. These areas have high densities of exposed asphalt and rooftops but limited tree cover.  As a result, residents in these areas can spend more money to cool their homes, and those without air conditioning can be at greater risk for heat illnesses.

    See the cumulative impact report below from 2017- spring 2024.

    Past partner communities include: Bradford, Brattleboro, Bennington, Barre, Bellows Falls, Burlington, Lyndon, Newport City, St. Albans, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, Windsor.

    Partners

    This program is made possible by the Arbor Day Foundation, the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, and the Vermont Department of Health’s Climate & Health Program.

    Join Us

    Let’s work together to harness the power of trees to conserve energy, cool communities, and save money.    

    For more information on this program, contact Gwen at gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu or 802-656-7638.