Help us find fir-ever homes for these trees!

Branch Out is a tree giveaway collaboration between multiple community partners to collectively grow the Tacoma-area urban forest. Our intent is to uplift and call out the intersection of trees, human health, equity, and community building. Past and present community partners with Tacoma Tree Foundation include: Homeownership Center NW, Valeo Vocation, VFW McKinley, SunAlliance, Tacoma Public Schools, Pierce Conservation District, City of Tacoma Urban Forestry Program, and Pierce County Parks.

Funding for Branch Out is provided by the City of Tacoma, Pierce Conservation District, and Pierce County Parks.

We believe that everyone deserves tree-lined streets! Each Branch Out tree that is planted helps Tacoma communities grow healthier, happier, and grittier in the face of pollution and extreme weather.

Residents from the Tacoma urban area can sign up to receive FREE TREES for their property on November 4, 2023 and also to request planting support from our volunteer teams. Please note: planting assistance can only be provided to residents living within the Tacoma urban area.

Tree species are dependent on availability. We will be offering large shade trees, utilities-friendly trees, evergreens, deciduous species, and a limited number of fruit trees, such as apple and pear varieties, along with resources from Harvest Pierce County.

Read about how we are measuring our impact on Tacoma’s tree equity here.

BRANCH OUT

A flyer showing two children planting a tree.

Branch Out 2023 is also sponsored by:

Request period has passed.

Timeline

September: Request for trees opens.
October 7: Tree Captains Training.
October 22: Last day to pre-register for trees, delivery, and/or planting assistance. Requests will be confirmed by late October.
November 4, 10:30-4:00PM: Tree pick-up at Stafford Elementary (1615 S 92nd St, Tacoma, WA 98444).
- 9:00 Volunteer orientation
- 10:00 Welcome program
- 10:30-4:00: Come pick up trees!
  - A variety of trees (evergreen, deciduous, and fruiting) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: We cannot guarantee that specific tree types or species will be available all day.
  - Trees requested and confirmed in advance will be reserved until 2:30, at which point they will be made available to other folks instead.
  - Certain tree species are designated for folks who live within Tacoma City limits, while others are reserved for Pierce County residents outside of Tacoma.
  - Plan your transportation. Delivery service will not be available on November 4th. Some of the trees are very large (12-15 feet tall, in pots) and should be transported by truck.
  Assistance: If you are in need of tree-planting or delivery assistance, we will coordinate details with you directly in advance.

Be a Branch Out Volunteer

We would love help from volunteers of all ages to plant on residential and public properties. No experience required! By offering planting assistance we lower barriers to tree planting across the Tacoma area. Join us! Sign up below to help your neighbors plant trees! Please complete this form by November 2.

Sign Up!

Be a Branch Out Tree Captain

Sign up!

Would you like to take a leadership role and help plant trees? Become a Tree Captain! The Tacoma Tree Foundation is offering a free Tree Captain training on October 7 from 1-3pm .

TTF Tree Captains are volunteers who will take a leadership role by supervising a small team of fellow planting volunteers. These teams will work together to plant trees at the homes of neighbors who have requested planting assistance on October 14th (Green Blocks: McKinley Hill) and/or November 4th (Branch Out). Join us for this short training if you are ready to learn more about tree planting techniques, “right tree, right place” guidelines, safety, and supervision.

By offering planting assistance, we are able to lower barriers to tree planting across the Tacoma area. Join us! Sign up by October 6 at noon.

NOTE: If you have previous experience and are confident about leading a team but are unable to attend this training, please e-mail us at info@tacomatreefoundation.org with “Fall Tree Captains” as the subject line.