Residential Free Tree Giveaway Program

The City of Vista is excited to pilot a Residential Free Tree Giveaway Program. Through this program, residents are eligible for a free tree to plant at their residence. Trees and pollinator plants advance environmental equity, instill a sense of belonging, and improve overall health and quality of life for residents and visitors. Increasing the local tree canopy on private properties enhances wildlife habitat, mitigates the effects of climate change, and supports the City’s Climate Action Plan goals. If you are a Vista resident interested in the program, please review the City’s Residential Tree/Pollinator Plant Giveaway Program Policy.

 Who is eligible for a free tree?

All Vista residents! This can be proven via a driver’s license with a current address, a State of California ID card with a current address, or official mail such as a billing statement from a utility provider with a form of photo identification.

What kind of trees are available?

Any tree listed on Vista’s Private Planting Program List. These trees are either regionally friendly, native, utility friendly, fruit trees, and pollinators as available. This list is subject to change from time to time due to nursery availability.

The program limits one approved plant/tree per residential address and does not obligate the City to provide a replacement if an approved plant fails to thrive.

When is this program available?

Applications are available now, and the program is first come, first served. Since this is a pilot program, it is only available as long as funds last. This pilot was funded through a $50,000 year-end fund balance request, approved by the City Council at the end of 2023.

Where can I plant my tree?

Trees received in the Free Tree Program must be planted on the participant’s private property with permission from the property owner. Participants must follow the planting guidelines, which exclude planting locations in any public right-of-way. 

How do I get a free tree or get more information?

There are two different ways for residents to get a free tree: either by requesting a tree by completing and submitting an application to reserve an approved plant, or by purchasing an approved plant from a local nursery with an active business license and requesting reimbursement from the City via application submittal. Review the Residential Tree/Pollinator Plant Giveaway Program Policy for more information on these programs. When available on April 22, applications can be emailed to climateaction@vista.gov, mailed, or delivered to the Civic Center. 

After the application or reimbursement request is submitted, City staff will review and contact the applicant with the next steps for either voucher, delivery, or reimbursement.

Resources

Residential Tree/Pollinator Plant Giveaway Program Policy
Application
Vista’s Private Planting Program List
Planting Guidelines (English & Spanish)
SelecTree – Tree Selection Guide
How to Become a Tree Steward with Tree San Diego