Bellevue Is Giving Away Free Trees: Here's How To Claim One

BELLEVUE, WA — Bellevue is offering residents a chance to claim free trees this fall as part of the city's goal to achieve a 40 percent tree canopy by 2050. Reaching that goal will require an estimated 75,000 new trees over the next three decades, and the giveaway will help take a small bite out of the total.

To receive a tree, residents and organizations must apply by Monday, Aug. 16. If selected, tree pickups will begin in October. Each resident is eligible for up to two trees, and community organizations can seek up to 20.

Residents and organizations can file their applications online, and those with additional questions can send an email or call the city at 425-452-7241.

Those whose applications are approved can expect:

• Free trees (up to 2 for residents and up to 20 for community organizations)
• Training & information on proper planting and care
• Reminders about tree care
• Optional watering bag, mulch, and We Love Our Trees yard sign
• Applications are due Aug. 16
• Trees will be distributed in early October
• Applicants can select their top three choices of types of trees.

The applications have space for residents to rank their choices from a list of available trees, including:

• Fruit trees (>20’): Saijo Persimmon, Methley Plum
• Small flowering trees: Sweetbay Magnolia (20’)
• Medium deciduous, flowering trees: Sonoma Dove Tree (40’)
• Large deciduous trees: Oregon White Oak (80’)
• Medium evergreen trees: Excelsa Western Redcedar (35’), Southern Magnolia (60’)
• Large evergreen trees: Incense Cedar (40-90’), Ponderosa Pine (90-150’)

City officials said the trees were chosen with several considerations in mind: Native plants, current and future climate conditions, ease of maintenance, disease and insect resistance, adaptability to a variety of conditions, easy growing, appearance, regional availability, and low likelihood of limb failure.

Learn more about the tree giveaways on the city's website.