Frequently Asked Questions
I requested a tree(s) to be planted in my parkway, and how do I find out the status of my request?
If you checked your email and did not receive an message from us, please call (213) 473-9950 and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you!
When is the next City Plants tree adoption?
City Plants partners with various community organizations to host tree giveaways or “adoptions” throughout the City of Los Angeles multiple times a month. Check our calendar to find the next tree adoption event closest to you. We recommend you check back once a week, as our team works hard to provide all Angelenos access to adoption events.
If you are interested in partnering with City Plants to host an adoption event, please submit an inquiry here! City Plants staff will be in touch.
Does City Plants give away free fruit trees?
City Plants gives away fruit trees at adoption events throughout the City sporadically, mostly in the Fall, Winter, and Spring months when it is significantly less hot. You can always check our calendar for scheduled fruit tree adoptions. City Plants only delivers shade trees.
Is there a limit to how many trees I can get through the City Plants program?
Through City Plants’ Residential Tree Program, Angelenos are eligible to receive a total of seven free yard trees to plant on private property through our Yard Tree Delivery or Tree Adoption programs. Through City Plants’ Street Tree Program, a certified arborist and inspector will determine how many trees can be planted according to City of Los Angeles Tree Spacing Guidelines, but our team will do our best to plant as many trees as possible.
Where can I get free mulch for my trees?
Our organization only plants and distributes free trees, but the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Sanitation offers free mulch.
I want a parkway tree but there is a tree stump or dead tree still in my parkway. Can I still request a free street tree through City Plants?
While City Plants distributes and plants trees, we do not service them. You can call 3-1-1 or submit an application through My LA 311 to apply for a stump or dead tree removal permit through the City of Los Angeles. We recommend asking specifically for the Urban Forestry Division.
City Plants can plant new street trees once any dead trees and/or stumps have been removed. Fill out our Street Tree Application to request new parkway trees from City Plants – all you need to do is pledge to water and care for your new street trees!
My neighborhood doesn’t have any trees at all! I want trees planted in my entire block. Can City Plants do that?
Thank you for your interest in greening your neighborhood! The City of LA needs tree champions like you! City Plants has a Block Leader Program where you can sign up your neighbors to receive free street trees. Neighbors who opt to receive a tree must agree to water and care for them, especially during the establishment period of 3-5 years. If you’re interested in becoming a Block Leader, City Plants has a toolkit you can use to canvass your neighborhood and get trees planted throughout your area.
Can City Plants attend my community event to distribute free trees?
We appreciate your interest in having City Plants attend your community event! Please fill out our tree adoption interest form, and a City Plants team member will reach out to you shortly.
I only received a partial amount of the trees I ordered. Will I still get the others?
Occasionally, City Plants can only partially fulfill requests based on tree availability at nurseries, but we will deliver the remainder of your trees as soon as we are able. You can always contact City Plants’ partner, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, at our nursery by calling (323) 664-9196, ext.241 to check on the status of your yard tree request.
How can I check to see if I’m eligible to receive free trees from City Plants?
Type in your address here to find out. If your address yields information with the council district number, then you are a resident. If your address is not found, you do not reside in the City proper. If you postal address says “Los Angeles” it is possible that you live in an unincorporated area of LA County, meaning that your neighborhood is not a part of the official City of Los Angeles. City Plants is only able to provide trees to residents living within the City of Los Angeles.
Can I choose the type of tree planted in my street or parkway?
City Plants offers free street trees and we have an inspector who ultimately chooses the tree species depending on surrounding infrastructure and according to City of Los Angeles Tree Spacing Guidelines. Our main goal is to plant the right tree in the right place. While we welcome recommendations, we cannot guarantee that the species you prefer will be planted in your street or parkway.
I received my trees but have no clue what species they are. How can I find out?
We are happy to hear that you have received your trees, please call (213) 473-9950 and a City Plants team member will be happy to assist you!
How do I become a City Plants volunteer?
Thank you so much for offering to volunteer with us here at City Plants! The best way to stay connected is by signing up for our newsletter, where we make sure to contact you with details on future events. We also announce all of our upcoming events on social media, and you can check out our Volunteer page for upcoming community planting events. Make sure to register online for the event you plan to attend!
Who should I contact regarding street tree trimming?
For trees in your parkway or street, you can call 3-1-1 or submit an application through My LA 311 if you would like to have you parkway tree trimmed. For trees on private property, check out the International Society of Arboriculture’s list of certified arborists to locate a tree trimming professional.
Can I plant a yard tree in my parkway?
No. The trees you receive can only be planted on your property, not on the sidewalk or parkway. The City of Los Angeles requires a street tree planting permit to plant in a parkway. City Plants will plant a street tree for you and take care of the permit process, however! Fill out our Street Tree Application to request new parkway trees from City Plants. All you need to do is pledge to water and care for your new street trees!
Does City Plants offer drought-tolerant trees?
City Plants consults professional arborists and scientists to ensure that we’re planting water-efficient species for the future of LA. You can find out more about the drought-tolerant trees that are offered through our program for both private property and parkways.
How do I choose which tree is best to plant in my yard?
We can help! It’s important to plant the right tree in the right place. City Plants offers a variety of tree species, all selected by a team of certified arborists, that will thrive in various microclimates and soil conditions. Begin by taking a look at City Plants’ Yard Tree List and learn about the trees we offer through our program.
Remember our motto, “Right Tree, Right Place!” You can choose from our list of small, medium, and large yard trees. It’s important to keep spacing in mind when planting new trees. Think about the full grown size of your new tree and where it will fit best on your property. We recommend planting trees at least 15 feet away from your foundation, and planting to the west or east side of your building to maximize energy savings. Check out our Tree Care page for more information.