Apply For Your Free Tree - It's ReLeaf Time!

CLICK THIS LINK TO APPLY

For the last 36 years, Cincinnati Parks’ Fall ReLeaf program has grown, improved and sustained the canopy coverage of our city. The highly successful effort has given away 20,000 free trees consisting of more than 40 species. In fact, this is one of the programs helping raise Cincinnati's overall tree canopy 5% in just the last 5 years (38% - 43%). Please consider doing your part to help keep the momentum going by signing up for a tree for your property and/or encouraging others to do the same.   

Interested in participating for 2024? Thanks to our 2021 Tree Canopy Census, Cincinnati Parks is able to target neighborhoods with less than 40% tree canopy coverage. In an effort to increase tree canopy in those neighborhoods, applications will open first to neighborhoods with less than 40% tree canopy:

Avondale (37%)
Bond Hill (25%)
Camp Washington (8%)
Carthage(33%)
Corryville (14%)
Downtown (7%)
East End (30%)
Evanston (31%)
Hartwell (37%)
Linwood (28%)
Lower Price Hill (20%)
Madisonville (36%)
Mt. Adams (31%)
Oakley (26%)
Over-the-Rhine (13%)
Pendleton (12%)
Queensgate (10%)
Roselawn (26%)
Walnut Hills (33%)
West End (14%)

Registration for a free ReLeaf Tree:

• Applications open September 7 at 8am to low canopy neighborhoods (listed above)
• Applications open to all City of Cincinnati residents September 21 at 8am
• Pick up dates (pick up time slot must be selected after applying for your free tree)
  • Saturday, October 19 from 8:00am - 1:30pm at MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
  • Monday, October 21 from 12:00pm - 3:30pm at 2080 Sinton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206

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, Dynegy and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Their support allows us to provide trees at a $75 value to Cincinnati property owners at no cost.

The Park Board’s Natural Resource division works diligently to bring each residential neighborhood up to 40% 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 storm water through canopy interception. This benefits homeowners by adding shade, beauty, reducing soil erosion, and managing flooding from rainfall.

MadTree Brewing is sponsoring Cincinnati Parks' Fall ReLeaf for the third year in a row. They seek to connect people to nature and to each other. They are beyond excited to partner with the us for the Fall ReLeaf program in making a direct, positive impact on their Oakley neighborhood, which is currently below the 40% tree canopy coverage goal for each neighborhood in Cincinnati. They embrace their namesake and work to celebrate and protect nature while reducing their impact on the environment. They are proud members of 1% for the Planet, with a commitment to donate 1% of sales to non-profits focused on environmental sustainability. MadTree Brewing. Inspiring Madness. Rooted In Purpose.

"Dynegy is proud to support the work of Cincinnati Parks and their incredible goal of achieving 40% tree canopy in neighborhoods, citywide! Each tree planted through ReLeaf will make a difference – contributing to a cleaner, cooler, healthier city."

Help us meet our goals and improve our urban environment by planning to place an order for your free tree.

If you have any questions on selecting a tree please call 513-861-9070. 

This Year’s Tree Selection List:

American Plum
Botanical Name: Prunus americana
Height and Spread: 25 ft by 20 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Rounded
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Other: White spring blooms, edible fruit (best in jams)

Bald Cypress
Botanical Name: Taxodium distichum
Height and Spread: 70 ft by 40 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Narrow pyramid
Light Requirements: Full sun
Other: Good for wet locations, very adaptable

Dawn Redwood 
Botanical Name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Height and Spread: 80 ft by 40 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Narrow pyramid
Light Requirements: Full sun
Other: Similar to baldcypress with larger needles

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

Shumard Oak
Botanical Name: Quercus shumardii
Height and Spread: 75 ft by 75 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Full sun
Other: Wide site adaptability

Spicebush
Botanical Name: Lindera benzoin
Height and Spread: 10 ft by 10 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Crown Shape: Rounded
Light Requirements: Full sun to full shade
Other: Small yellow flowers in early spring

Tuliptree
Botanical Name: Liriodendron tulipfera
Height and Spread: 75 ft by 60 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Spreading 
Light Requirements: Full Sun to part shade
Other: Fast growing shade tree, yellow fall color

Wafer Ash
Botanical Name: Ptelea trifoliata
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 15 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Crown Shape: Rounded
Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
Other: Small white flowers in May or June

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
Botanical Name: Amelanchier x Grandiflora
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 20 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Part shade
Other: White spring blooms, edible fruit, great fall color