Forestry
Tree Canopy Goal
The City of Goshen has a robust Tree Canopy Goal of 45% tree coverage in Goshen by 2045. The Department of Environmental Resilience maintains a tree inventory of trees in the public-right-of-way.
City of Goshen Tree Programs
The City of Goshen has two tree programs, which it offers through the Goshen Parks & Recreation Department, to help residents care for our “urban forest”:
- The City will split the cost of appropriate tree maintenance, trimming and removal, 50/50, for trees that are in the City’s right of way. The Environmental Resilience Department can help determine the right-of-way. Resources are limited.
- The City will split the cost of planting a new, 3-gallon sized, 4-5 ft tall tree if planted in the right of way. The resident portion is 50% of the new tree up to $80, which includes planting, watering, and pruning every 3 years for 5 rotations. The City has switched to smaller 3-gallon trees for most plantings. This size adapts quickly and growth has been shown to outpace the larger balled-and-burlapped trees.
The City Forestry personnel will be glad to consult. Any questions about these programs, or about trees in general, can be directed to Brandi at (574) 534-0076 or environmental@goshencity.com.
Urban Forestry Tree Giveaway for Businesses
The Urban Forestry Tree Giveaway is a grant-funded program that provides funding to the City of Goshen for trees to be planted primarily on private property in priority areas of the City. Map Link A business or organization may receive up to twelve 3-gallon trees per year in 2026 and 2027 while supplies last. Seedlings for mass sapling plantings are available through an organizational partner for properties that qualify. For all trees, recipients must own the property and commit to planting, watering and maintaining trees. Please call 574-534-0076 to get more information about the program.
Subject to availability of species and budget. Orders for the best selection of Spring delivery should be finalized by February 1. Orders for the best selection of Fall delivery should be finalized by August 1.
Note: If your business is located in the priority area but not in the City of Goshen, we can connect you with one of our partners for free trees.
Residential Urban Forestry Tree Giveaway
The Residential Urban Forestry Tree Giveaway is a grant-funded program that provides funding to the City of Goshen for trees to be planted on private property in grant-designated priority areas of the City. Map Link Please call 574-534-0076 first to ensure that your property is located in the priority area. Priority areas are designated as poor air quality zones. A residential homeowner in one of these zones may receive up to three 3-gallon trees per year in 2026 and 2027. For all trees, recipients must own the property and commit to planting, watering and maintaining trees.
Subject to availability of species and budget. Orders for the best selection of Spring delivery should be finalized by February 1. Orders for the best selection of Fall delivery should be finalized by August 1.
Note: If your residence is located in the priority area but not in the City of Goshen, we can connect you with one of our partners for free trees.
Additional Tree Giveaways
Upcoming events that will have additional tree giveaways include Arbor Day activities on the first Friday of May, Trees for Graduates of Goshen area High Schools,a Farmer’s Market Giveaway (TBA), and a fall giveaway (TBA). We are always looking for groups and property owners who are interested in trees. Contact our office if you have an interest or ideas.
Volunteer Opportunities
In addition, there are various volunteer opportunities in the public woods of Goshen. Tree planting, invasive plant species removal, trail maintenance, and trash cleanup are some of the major ongoing projects within Goshen’s urban forest. The Municipal Tree Nursery is one of the sites for volunteer work. While there is sweat involved in all these efforts, there is also a lot of fun, as well as the opportunity to be outside, learning about the wide world of trees! Share your love for nature, the environment and conservation with others! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Department of Environmental Resilience at (574) 534-0076 or environmental@goshencity.com.
Additional Community Tree Resources
Trees For Goshen
Trees For Goshen is a non-profit formed by citizens of Goshen to preserve the legacy of our urban forest, to expand the benefits it provides, and to grow its capacity for generations to come. Trees For Goshen has an overarching goal to increase the tree-covered canopy of the city of Goshen, IN. We do this by working with neighborhoods and residents to find suitable places to plant trees and helping get them in the ground. The donations we receive will go directly towards planting trees in our neighborhoods.
Tree For Goshen Plants provides trees for Goshen residents that can be planted on Goshen properties in the front, side, or back yards. You can email info@treesforgoshen.org for more information.