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The nonprofit Tree Trust is making free trees available to qualifying residents in West St. Paul, South St. Paul, St. Paul, and New Brighton.
“We have a goal of distributing close to a thousand free trees in these communities over the next year,” said Noah De Vlaminck with Tree Trust.
- What: Residents can apply for up to three free trees, paid for by a ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They must be planted on private property. You’ll have an opportunity to give your preferences for tree species. The trees will weigh up to 40 pounds can can be up to eight feet tall.
- How: Go to the Tree Trust site to apply.
- When: Applications are due September 18. Trees need to be picked up in October. If you miss this round, there’s potentially another round in spring 2027.
- Where: Residents qualify by living in a low-canopy priority area, as identified by the DNR, based on a number of demographic factors including income, disabilities, education, limited English, and low life expectancy.
“Historically, these demographics have received less shade and are at higher risk for urban heat island and other environmental issues,” said Jess Hall, a natural resource specialist with West St. Paul.
Here’s the map showing qualifying areas in West St. Paul, South St. Paul, and the West Side (go to the application to see a zoomable map):
Even More Trees
West St. Paul also received a Community Tree Planting Grant from the Met Council to plant at least 300 trees between now and next June in parks and boulevards across the city. Residents can request a boulevard tree online.
“When I get funding to plant trees, I work down my list of tree requests to make sure people who want boulevard trees can get them,” said Hall. “We also prioritize areas that have limited canopy cover.”
Typically, West St. Paul plants just 40 trees per year. This shift is to address the city’s tree canopy percentage dropping to 39.3% according to Met Council numbers from 2021. That’s 3% below the regional average and 5% below the recommended average.
South St. Paul is also working to address their diminished tree canopy after losing one-third of park and boulevard trees to emerald ash borer. The city received state funding to plant 800 trees as part of their Regrowing Shade program. Residents can apply for a free boulevard tree.
The city has also launched a Root Rewards program to encourage residents to care for those trees and ensure their survival. In one month, 61 people made 233 check-ins on newly planted trees, earning coupons from local businesses.
Mendota Heights also has trees available, though they’re subsidized and not free. The cost for residents is $185, which is 50% off. Residents can apply online.
Want Trees in Your Community?
Typically, Tree Trust works with cities to subsidize the cost of trees, making them more affordable for residents.
“Since Tree Trust works collaboratively with each municipality in coordinating the tree sales, new partnerships most often start with strong interest from the city’s staff or residents,” said De Vlaminck.
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