Goshen residents can apply for free trees

GOSHEN, Ind. – The City of Goshen invites residents to apply for free trees as part of its urban forestry initiative.

The program, led by the Department of Environmental Resilience, aims to enhance green spaces and improve air quality. Residents can request a tree to plant in their yards or along the public right-of-way. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2025.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to Goshen homeowners and renters with property owner approval. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each qualifying household is eligible to receive up to five trees. The city encourages participants to commit to watering and maintaining their trees.

For more information, visit the Department of Environmental Resilience, 410 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen, IN 46526, or call 574-534-0076.

What type of trees are available?

Available trees include American Elm, Eastern Redbud, River Birch, Chinkapin Oak, and Black Gum, among many others, offering a variety of sizes to suit different landscapes. You can find a full list of trees in the order form below.

How to Order Your Free Trees

Please submit your order by completing the form below. By submitting an order, you certify that you live within Goshen city limits and agree to plant and care for your trees for at least five years.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your landscape and enjoy the many benefits of adding trees to your property.

Free Tree Form

2025 Tree Order Form

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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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About the Department of Environmental Resilience

The Department of Environmental Resilience promotes public health, sustainability, and economic development while protecting Goshen’s natural environment. Established under Ord. 5014, it oversees urban forestry, enhances resource efficiency, and provides environmental education. Led by City Forester Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, the department operates from the Rieth Interpretive Center, surrounded by natural spaces ideal for learning and exploration. Through tree care, sustainability initiatives, and community outreach, the department helps Goshen remain a resilient, environmentally responsible city.