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 2,835 trees to over 1,600 community members in 10 municipalities. This program is made possible by our 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.

2023 Tree Giveaway Program

Eligibility

Residents of the following communities are eligible for the spring 2023 program:

• Burlington
• St. Albans (city and town)
• Athens, Grafton, Rockingham, Westminster

Tree Species

Community members in selected partner communities are eligible to sign up for two trees. Quantities of each species vary and are available on first come basis. Trees will be 4-6 feet tall, grown in 2 gallon containers. Four species are available: red bud, red maple, river birch, and serviceberry.

Pick Up Events

Trees must be reserved in advance and picked up at designated locations.

• Burlington: Thursday, June 1, 3-5pm at Edmunds Elementary School (275 Main Street)
• St. Albans: Saturday, June 3, 10am-12pm at St. Albans City School (29 Bellows Street)
• Bellows Falls: Tuesday, June 6, 3-5pm at Bellows Falls Middle School (15 School Street)

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Gwen Kozlowski, gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu, at 802-656-7638 by May 12, so we may assist you.

Tree Benefits

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

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 2017-2022.

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