Community Tree Planting Program
Established in 2005, Casey Trees' flagship Community Tree Planting (CTP) program is a grassroots approach to planting trees in neighborhoods across the District. Individuals and groups interested in adding trees – ten or more – to their apartment complex, school, church, park, synagogue, or even private yard may apply. The best part is there is no cost for this service.
Applicants propose a planting site – in DC only – and locations for the trees. Successful applicants are assigned a Casey Trees-trained Lead Citizen Forester as a technical advisor to help determine which tree species to plant and where, and develop a planting plan and maintenance schedule. Casey Trees provides on-site planting help AND all the required tools and trees the day of the event.
Community Tree Planting Schedule
Take a look at our Calendar of Events to sign up for CTP events to volunteer at, as well as other volunteer and educational opportunities. We plant trees in the spring and in the fall.
Sign up for e-news to receive the latest information about upcoming events.
How to Apply
Applicants must:
- Propose locations for a minimum of ten (10) trees.
- Obtain permission of all property owners where trees will be planted.
- Agree to a post planting, two-year maintenance plan for the trees that includes weekly watering.
- Attend an orientation meeting.
- Provide lunch (e.g. pizza/bbq) to volunteers immediately following the planting.
Applications can be sent by fax, mail or email. Download an application.
CTP applications are accepted year round. Applications received by June 15 and November 30 will be considered for fall (October – December) and spring (March – April) planting dates respectively.
Street tree requests must be submitted to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration by calling the Citywide Call Center at 311 or making it online. Be sure to save your tracking number for each request. Tree requests to fulfill required mitigation for the removal of a Special Tree under the Urban Forest Preservation Act will not be considered.
