Tree Canopy Expansion Program

Support for this project provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Fortunately, trees can planted in most public utility easements, even where other underground utilities like gas and electric are present, unless: 

• Low-hanging overhead utility lines are present, or 
• An existing tree is within 25-30 feet on the same easement, or 
• Placement would create a sightline obstruction 

Some easements are atypically narrow, but such does not necessarily exclude those locations. Overhead utility lines also do not automatically exclude a location from the program, but would require additional review and a smaller species of tree. Residents who want a tree, but are concerned about eligibility for any reason are encouraged to still submit a request and include photos, if possible.  

Tree requests will be reviewed by city staff to verify that site conditions are appropriate for a planting. 

One tree per residential address, corner lots may be eligible to receive two. 

Tree species and final planting location will be determined by city staff. 

Initial watering will be performed by the planting contractor and residents will be responsible to water the tree at least once per week for 2-3 weeks after planting.

A variety of tree species will be planted as part of this program in order to promote biodiversity. A listing of specific trees will be published here once local availability is determined. 

Royal Oak arborists will determine the species and placement for each planting; special requests cannot be accommodated.