This article contains information for the 2021 program.
See the new article for information on the 2022 Program.
For the last 33 years, Cincinnati Parks’ Fall ReLeaf Program has given away 20,000 free trees to Cincinnati residents. Since 1995, CPF has provided more than $350,000 in support of the program. Thanks to the additional support of MadTree Brewing and Macy’s, Cincinnati property owners can get a free tree to plant in their yard, for free.
Interested in participating for 2021? This year’s application roll out looks different than years past. Thanks to Cincinnati Parks’ recent 2021 Tree Canopy Census, Park’s Urban Foresters are able to target neighborhoods with less than 40% tree canopy coverage. Tree canopy coverage to help improve the impacts of air pollution, urban heat island effect, residential energy demands, and storm water management. Just one large canopy deciduous tree, such as an oak or sycamore, can help control 400 to 1,000 gallons of stormwater through canopy interception. This benefits homeowners by adding shade, beauty, reducing soil erosion, and managing flooding from rainfall.
In an effort to increase tree canopy in those neighborhoods, application opened first to the following neighborhoods:
Mt. Adams (31%)
Walnut Hills (33%)
East End (30%)
Avondale (37%)
Lower Price Hill (20%)
Queensgate (10%)
West End (14%)
Over-the-Rhine (13%)
Downtown (7%)
Corryville (14%)
Pendleton (12%)
Camp Washington (8%)
Carthage(33%)
Hartwell (37%)
Roselawn (26%)
Bond Hill (25%)
Madisonville (36%)
Oakley (26%)
Evanston (31%)
Linwood (28%)
Applications Opened August 21, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. to low canopy neighborhoods (listed above)
Applications Open to all City of Cincinnati residents September 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.
The Fall ReLeaf program was established to provide shade trees for homeowners whose curb lawns were too narrow for tree planting or for those with overhead utility lines. The program has blossomed to include community and school involvement, a more diverse tree species selection and backyard planting. This year’s program is made possible by our generous sponsors, MadTree Brewing, Macy’s and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Their support allows us to provide trees at a $75 value to Cincinnati property owners at no cost..
Help us meet our goals and improve our urban environment by planning to place an order for your free tree.
This Year’s Tree Selection List:
Eastern Redbud
Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 30 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Part Shade
Other: Flowers in early spring bright pink
Sugarberry
Botanical Name: Celtis Laevigata
Height and Spread: 75 ft by 75 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Broad
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Other: Good species for wildlife
Tuliptree
Botanical Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Height and Spread: 80 ft by 60 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Narrow
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Other: Tulip-like flowers in late spring
Swamp White Oak
Botanical Name: Quercus bicolor
Height and Spread: 75 ft by 75 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Other: Wide site adaptability
Baldcypress
Botanical Name: Taxodium distichum
Height and Spread: 75 ft by 35 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Narrow
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Other: Good for wet locations and very adaptable.
Red Maple
Botanical Name: Acer rubrum
Height and Spread: 70 ft by 55 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Other: Brilliant red fall color
Allegheny serviceberry
Botanical Name: Amelanchier laevis
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 20 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Part Shade
Other: White spring blooms and edible fruit for wildlife
Pawpaw
Botanical Name: Asimina triloba
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 15 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Crown Shape: Pyramidal
Light Requirements: Full Shade to Part Shade
Other: Large fruit edible for the table or wildlife
Blue Beech a.k.a. Musclewood a.k.a. American Hornbeam
Botanical Name: Carpinus caroliniana
Height and Spread: 25 ft by 25 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Part Shade
Other: Unique bark pattern