The program

With approximately 40,000 vacant street tree planting sites throughout Fort Wayne, we cannot prioritize planting sites based on requests alone. The Citizen Match Tree Planting Program is a cost-sharing initiative designed to encourage tree planting where residents want them. For a contribution of $50 per tree, residents can take an active role in enhancing their neighborhoods with new street trees.

This program is for residents living within Fort Wayne City limits ONLY. City funding shortfalls may not allow for the approval of all applications.

The City of Fort Wayne’s urban canopy is recognized as a key element of our overall infrastructure. Our trees are one of the very few components of our infrastructure that do not depreciate over time; they actually provide an increased benefit/value as time passes.

Any tree that has been planted in the public right of way is a street tree. The public right of way's width varies from street to street, but it is generally defined as the area from the street side curb inward to a distance of approximately 8 feet. This area is used for sidewalks, utility lines, and street trees.

Street trees benefit our community in many ways. They define the character of our neighborhoods and add to the value of our properties. Street trees provide aesthetic, environmental and socioeconomic benefits that help improve our quality of life.

Tree Specifications

Your new shade tree(s) will have a trunk diameter of 1 to 1.5 inches and will range in height from 6 to 10 feet, depending on the species.

​Tree Selection Process

This program allows you to suggest two tree varieties that you believe would grow best, complement the neighborhood, and enhance the overall streetscape. We provide a carefully selected list of trees known for their durability, longevity, disease resistance, and beauty. Please choose your preferred species from this list. The City Arborist will review your selections and make the final decision on tree species and location. While we strive to honor your preferences, the City Arborist may adjust the selection and/or location based on factors such as survivability, availability, and visual compatibility.

Example of two street trees planted

Next steps

To participate, ensure that your application includes a valid email address. After a site inspection by one of our arborists, you will receive an email confirming the selected tree species along with payment instructions. Applications are due no later than July 1st of the current year. Tree planting can begin as early as October 1st and is expected to be completed by January 1st.

Citizen Match Tree Planting Application

​Planting Guidelines

To ensure that new trees do not become a nuisance in the future, planting requests must comply with the following guidelines. Trees cannot be planted:

  • On private property; we can plant only on public property.
  • Under utility wires.
  • In a park strip with less than 5 feet of grass or planting area.
  • Within 40 feet of an intersecting street, alley, or commercial driveway, or within 15 feet of a residential driveway.
  • Within 40 feet of the trunk of another nearby tree on the street or in an adjacent yard (this is somewhat flexible).
  • Within 10 feet of a street light, fire hydrant, or traffic signal pole.
  • Within 3 feet of curbs and/or sidewalks in poor condition.

If you are a neighborhood leader and would like to apply for a multiple property planting project, please contact the City Arborist, Derek Veit, at 427-6400 to learn about procedures. We want to ensure trees are planted where they are wanted, so adjacent property owner involvement is really important to the success of neighborhood planting projects.

Financial Assistance

Can't afford the $50 cost-sharing component? If your household size or income doesn’t exceed the limits listed on the application, we can waive the fee. This information can be found on the application.