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 that can be seen here. 

Read the Goshen Urban Tree Canopy Goal Executive Summary

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”:

1. The City will split the cost of tree maintenance, including 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.
2. The City will split the cost of planting a new, 2-inch diameter, 10- to 15-foot-tall tree if planted in the right of way. The resident portion is 50% of the new tree up to $250, which includes planting. If the tree comes from the City’s nursery, it can be a little as $50.

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.

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.

Free Tree Form

2025 Tree Order Form

Name

First Last

Email

Phone

Address

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Eligibility – Households must be within Goshen City limits to order free trees

The trees that you will be receiving will be bare-root trees. This means that you will get your tree in a bag without soil around the roots. Your trees will be young and small. This size tree is amazing because it acclimates quickly to transplanting, requires less water, and grows quickly. Plant your tree as soon as possible after receiving it. Keep the roots moist and the tree cool until it is in the ground. When you plant, make sure that it is just deep enough to cover the highest fine roots; higher or lower can be detrimental to the tree. Mulch around the tree after planting, making sure that the mulch doesn’t touch the tree to avoid rotting the trunk. Water your tree, and continue watering once a week during hot, dry spells. Tree guards or fencing can help protect a tree from mowers, weed whackers, and animals.

Deadline – Order form must be returned by email or mail by February 28th, 2025. First come first served. No late orders will be accepted for this program.

By checking this box, I certify that I live within Goshen City limits and that these trees will be planted on the address listed above.

I pledge that I will plant and care for these trees and/or shrubs for a minimum of five years

Name

First Last

Signature

Tree and Shrub List and General Size– each household is eligible for up to five trees.

American Chestnut Hybrid (large tree

Second American Common Persimmon (medium)Choice

American Cranberrybush Viburnum (large shrub)

American Elm (large Tree)

American Hornbeam (small tree)

American Plum (small tree)

Black Chokecherry (medium shrub)

Black Gum (medium-large tree)

Buttonbush (large shrub)

Canadian Hemlock (large tree)

Chinkapin Oak (large tree)

Chokecherry (medium–large tree)

Eastern Redbud (small tree)

Eastern Redcedar (small tree)

Eastern White Pine (large tree)

Elderberry (large shrub)

Ginkgo (large tree)

Golden Fernleaf Falsecypress (medium shrub)

Moonglow Juniper (small tree)

Northern Hackberry (medium)

Pieris Japonica (medium shrub)

Red Buckeye (small tree)

River Birch (medium tree)

Sea Green Juniper (medium shrub)

Shadblow Serviceberry (small tree)

Shagbark Hickory (large tree)

Silky Dogwood (large shrub/small tree)

Sweet Gum (medium tree)

Sycamore (large tree)

Thornless Honeylocust (large tree)

Pickup

You will receive pickup instructions. Department of Environmental Resilience, 410 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen, IN 46526, (574) 534-0076, leestraderbergey@goshencity.com

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