City Shade Street Tree Planting Program
Developed by community member Paul Forrest in partnership with the City of Port Angeles, the City Shade Street Tree Planting Program aims to enhance our community's tree canopy by planting trees in residential neighborhoods.
As part of this program, residents are invited to apply online to request up to two free street trees. These trees will be strategically planted within the public right-of-way (typically between the sidewalk and curb), to beautify our neighborhoods and support the health of our local environment. Residents also have the option to plant a tree purchased on their own. City staff will work with residents to identify areas that would benefit from additional trees and offer a variety of species appropriate for that location's size and soil conditions.
Why plant street trees?
Street trees provide a wide range of environmental, social, aesthetic and economic benefits. They improve air quality, conserve energy, reduce stormwater impacts, increase property values, provide habitat for local wildlife, and enhance the appearance and character of neighborhoods.
To assist with the financial hurdles associated with purchasing and installing trees, City Council approved the acquisition and distribution of street trees in the community. This aligns with goals and objectives in the City’s Climate Resiliency Action Plan, the 2025 -2026 City Strategic Plan, as well as the updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Volunteer With Us! Help us plant trees on Saturday, October 25!
Please join us for an Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, October 25! This year, we'll be providing 75 free trees to residents for planting. Volunteers are needed to help plant about 30 of those trees for residents who have requested assistance.
If you're interested in volunteering, please submit a Volunteer Intake Form to Natural Resources Administrator Courtney Bornsworth. Completed forms can be emailed to ced@cityofpa.us or returned to City Hall at 321 East 5th Street (Attention: Courtney Bornsworth).
City Shade Tree Planting, Spacing and Care Guide
Click on the photo below to view guidance for the planting and care of your tree, including spacing and clearance requirements, mulching, watering and pruning advice.
See illustration of proper planting techniques.
The 2025 City Shade Street Tree Program will provide up to two free street trees to City residents. Interested parties must apply online to be considered for the program. Preference will be given to households who have not previously received a street tree as part of the program in the past.
The application window will be open from July 1 - August 8, 2025. As part of the application process, interested parties must provide their physical address and the number of street trees they are requesting. The location must be within City limits.
City staff will review the applications and determine the best species for that location, depending on criteria such as the size of the planting strip, proximity to overhead and underground utility lines, and soil types.
Applicants will be notified by October 6 if their application has been approved or denied. City staff will distribute trees to those applicants who have been approved on October 25, following the City’s Arbor Day Celebration. Recipients will be required to pick up their informational packet at the planting demonstration during the Arbor Day Celebration.
| Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 - August 8, 2025 | Online | The online application window is open! Port Angeles residents can apply to receive up to two free street trees for planting in their neighborhoods. |
| October 6, 2025 | N/A | Applicants will be notified if their application has been approved or denied by this date. |
| October 25, 2025 | Port Angeles City Hall | NEW in 2025: City of Port Angeles Arbor Day Celebration and Planting Demonstration. Recipients will be encouraged to attend a planting demonstration during the event. Trees will be distributed to approved applicants following the celebration. |
List of Approved Street Tree Species List of Approved Street Tree Species
City Shade Trees Currently Under Cultivation
The following species are currently under cultivation by the City Shade Program:
- Galaxy Magnolia, Magnolia 'Galaxy'
- Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia
- Peking Lilac, Syringa pekinensis
- Black Tupelo 'Wildfire', Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'
- Black Tupelo 'Green Gable', Nyssa sylvatica 'Green Gable'
- Black Tupelo ' Red Splyndor', Nyssa sylvatica 'Red Splyndor'
- American Hornbeam 'Firespire', Carpinus caroliniana 'Firespire'
- American Hornbeam ' Native Flame', Carpinus caroliniana 'Native Flame'
- Japanese Snowbell, Styrax japonicus
- Snowcone Japanese Snowbell, Styrax japonicus 'Snowcone'
View/download full species details, including species shape and size, soil type, sunlight preferences, and more.
List of Approved Street Tree Species
Find a tree best suited for your planting site. View a full list of species approved for planting as part of the City Shade Street Tree Program. List of Approved Street Tree Species