Tree Coupon Program

NOTICE: Due to an unexpected level of interest, all available coupons have already been issued for the 2024-2025 planting season pilot. We do have a couple of in-person tree giveaways this fall to get a free tree, or you can add your email to our waitlist for potential future coupons.

In Fall 2024, we launched a pilot Tree Coupon Program for Bellingham community members. Participants in the program get discounts on a variety of trees from participating local nurseries between October 2024 and April 2025. This program is one of many offered by the City to increase tree canopy cover across Bellingham, expanding the many health, environmental, cultural, and economic benefits trees provide for our community while helping us reach our Climate Action Plan and upcoming Urban Forest Plan goals.

How tree coupons work

Thanks to everyone for your interest in this program! Sign-ups for the program are closed due to overwhelming interest. You can add your email to our waitlist for potential future coupons.

People living in Bellingham who want to plant a tree on private property within Bellingham City limits or the Urban Growth Area, were eligible to request up to 3 tree coupons per planting address (while supplies last). Each coupon is worth up to $100 at participating nurseries and redeemable for one tree only. Coupons cannot be combined.

We will send your tree coupons to the mailing address you provide in the online form.

Visit participating nurseries to redeem coupons on eligible trees (view an eligible tree list by height) between October 2024 and April 2025. Trees that are eligible for the program will be marked at the nurseries so that they are easy to find. Please note that tree species availability will vary depending on the nursery, time of year, and demand. Nurseries will likely re-stock their tree inventory around mid-February, so you can check back later to find a wider selection of eligible trees.

We understand that choosing the perfect tree for your property is important. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:

  • Talk to the participating nurseries. Nursery staff are experts! Let them know your preferences (sun exposure, size limitations, desired aesthetic) and they can recommend eligible tree species that best suit your needs while also helping grow Bellingham’s urban tree canopy.
  • Check availability before you visit. To save a trip, consider calling the nurseries to ask about available eligible trees and find out when they will re-stock specific species.

Current participating nurseries:

Plant your new trees! Find planting tips and guidelines to help your trees grow successfully.

Trees should be planted on private property within Bellingham City limits or the Urban Growth Area. If planted in a right-of-way, even if on your own property, an approved free Street Tree Permit is required. Visit our Street Tree webpage for more information.

If you are planting the tree on private property that you do not own, please get permission from the landowner first.

Always call 8-1-1 at least two days before digging to identify underground utilities.

Additional program details

Please note that program details may change over time. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this brand-new program!

Anyone who is planting a tree within Bellingham City limits or the Urban Growth Area is eligible for coupons. View this map to see if your property is within City limits (tan dotted line) or the Urban Growth Area boundary (purple dotted line). A current address must be provided when signing up for coupons. Coupons are not transferable to another property.

Each tree coupon will cover up to $100 of your purchase of one tree. Coupons cannot be combined. If the total purchase price for one tree was less than $100, the coupon covers the full cost and is considered fully redeemed. No balance remains on the coupon. If the total purchase price for one tree is more than $100, your coupon covers $100 of the cost and you are responsible for the remaining balance. Once a coupon has been redeemed, it cannot be used again. Below are example purchase scenarios to help demonstrate how the coupon can be used:

  • Example 1 – Tree costs less than $100: You choose to purchase an eligible tree at a participating nursery that costs $85. With tax, the total comes to approximately $92.65. Your $100 tree coupon covers the full cost, including tax. The coupon is now considered fully redeemed and cannot be used again. The remaining $7.35 balance disappears.
  • Example 2 – Tree costs more than $100: You choose to purchase an eligible tree at a participating nursery that costs $145. With tax, the total comes to approximately $158.05. Your tree coupon covers $100 of the total cost. You are responsible for paying the remaining $58.05. The coupon is now considered fully redeemed and cannot be used again.

You can redeem your coupons at participating nurseries between October 2024 and April 2025. Planting trees during this time will maximize the chance of tree survival.

We are very thankful to the nurseries currently participating in the program:

You can only use your coupons to purchase trees from the Eligible Tree List. Eligible trees for the program were selected to provide a variety of native and non-native species, that mature at or above 20 feet in height, to maximize tree canopy cover benefits. These trees were also selected to align with tree species availability at participating nurseries.

Please note that not all of the eligible trees may be available at both participating nurseries. There may be some trees on the list that are not available at either nursery or availability may change depending on the time of year and demand. When you visit participating nurseries, eligible trees will be labeled to make it easier for you to identify which trees you can purchase with a coupon.

Nurseries or garden centers interested in participating in the Tree Coupon Program in the future can learn more on our Tree Coupon Program Application webpage.

No yard? No problem! Plant trees in local parks and trails with our Parks Volunteer Program.

More information

To receive email updates about our Community Tree Programs and other habitat restoration programs, please sign up for our Habitat News email list.

Have questions? Please email habitat@cob.org.

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