Tempe's new Cost Match Tree program provides 50% of the cost of a 15-gallon or 24” boxed-sized tree for single family residents in Tempe.

There is an application process which will be evaluated by the program coordinator to ensure that the Right Tree is planted in the Right Place to help provide benefits for both private property, and to the community.

Up to two trees per residence, and five for schools and non-profit organizations are allowed through the program. Upon approval of the program application, the Urban Forestry team will select a tree from the nursery and schedule delivery to the property. This is not a reimbursement program. All plant material available through this program will be selected and delivered by the Urban Forestry team.

The property owner is responsible for planting, and for all future maintenance and care. A Planting and Maintenance Agreement is required from the recipient. Staff will monitor the tree for the first three years and provide technical assistance as needed.

Tempe’s Cost Match Tree Program encourages the planting of trees on private property throughout Tempe, and is supported by the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan, Tempe’s Climate Action Plan, and Tempe City Council’s Strategic Priority Performance Measure 4.11 - “Achieve a city-wide (City and private property) 25% tree and shade canopy by 2040.”

Initial funding for the program is from a prior Trees for Tempe program with additional start-up funding support from Tempe’s Cool Kids, Cool Places, Cool Futures  program. The program is a partnership between the Community Services Department and the City of Tempe Office of Sustainability.

Please fill out this application: Cost Match Program application

Once complete, please email to Tempe's Urban Forester, Richard Adkins at richard_adkins@tempe.gov or mail to:

Richard Adkins
City of Tempe, Community Services
Parks and Recreation Division
3500 S. Rural Road, Suite 201
Tempe, AZ 85282

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can a multi-family complex participate in the program?
  • No, not currently.The program is designed for single family residents and can be used by educational institutions and non-profit organizations.

     

• Can a business or commercial property participate in the program?
  • No.The program is designed for single family residents and can be used by educational institutions and non-profit organizations.

     

• Can a Neighborhood Organization or Homeowners Association participate in the program?
  • No.But the community can organize single family residents in a neighborhood to submit applications as part of the community planting event.The trees will need to be planted on private property, not on community managed property.

     

• Can single family rental properties participate in the program?
  • Maybe.The tree(s) will be the planting and maintenance responsibility of the property owner.A renter must have the actual property owner complete and submit the application and accept the responsibility for the tree(s).

     

• How many trees are available through the program?
  • Up to two trees per single family residence, and up to five trees for educational institutions and non-profit organizations.

     

• What kind of tree(s) can be planted?
  • There is no restriction on species other than what is appropriate for the region, location, and available space on the property. The program coordinator will approve the species and can help with species selection.

     

• What time of year are the tree available?
  • The program will provide trees between the month of October and May depending upon species availability.This is the best season for planting trees and should help to ensure survival.

     

• Will the city plant the tree(s) for me?
  • No.The tree(s) will be delivered to the property boundary , but the planting and all future maintenance and care will be the responsibility of the property owner.The property owner can hire a contractor at their expense.

     

• When do I pay for the tree(s)?
  • Once the application is received, reviewed, and approved ,the program coordinator will contact you for payment.

     

• Is there an opportunity to donate a tree to neighbor?
  • Yes.There is box on the application form to donate your share of the cost match for helping to plant a tree for your neighbor.Additionally, monetary donations to help support the program are welcome, please contact the program coordinator if you are interested.

• What happens should the tree(s) become damaged, diseased or dies?
  • Things happen.Any damage resulting in tree death and severe decline in health during the initial three years must be reported to the program administrator for review.If problems are not reported, the recipient may be responsible for reimbursement of the city share of the cost.

     

 You can also call Richard with questions at 480-350-5227.