Tree Coupon Program

2025/2026 Update: The Tree Coupon Program has reached capacity and is not currently accepting new applications. To be notified of future opportunities for tree coupons, please sign up for our waitlist.

We’re excited to announce the continuation of the Tree Coupon Program for Bellingham community members! The program, which was successfully piloted in 2024-2025, offers discounts on a variety of trees from participating nurseries between October 2025 and May 2026. This program is 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

The 2025/2026 Tree Coupon Program has reached capacity and is not currently accepting new applications. To be notified of future opportunities for tree coupons, please sign up for our waitlist.

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 two 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 send tree coupons to the mailing addresses that participants provide in the online sign-up form.

Participants can visit participating nurseries to redeem their coupons for eligible trees between October 2025 and May 2026. Trees that are eligible for the program will be marked at the nurseries with a City logo or blue tree tag so that they are easy to find. Tree species availability varies depending on the nursery, time of year, and demand.

Coupons can be redeemed at the following nurseries:

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.

Eligible trees

Eligible trees for the program are selected to provide a variety of native and non-native species, that mature 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. Here is a list of species that are eligible for the program. This is not an exhaustive list and others can be added by City staff if they meet the eligibility requirements. Please note that not all of the eligible trees may be available at all participating nurseries.

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

Trees must 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.

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. Planting addresses that didn’t receive coupons during the 2024-2025 program will be prioritized. 

Each coupon is worth up to $100 toward the 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.

Coupons can be redeemed at participating nurseries between October 2025 and May 2026.

Coupons can only be used to purchase eligible trees, which are marked with a City of Bellingham logo at participating nurseries. Eligible trees for the program are selected to provide a variety of native and non-native species, that mature 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. Here is a list of species that are eligible for the program. This is not an exhaustive list and others can be added by City staff if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Please note that not all of the eligible trees may be available at all participating nurseries. There may be some trees on the list that are not available at any 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.

2024-2025 program summary

Thank you to everyone who participated in the pilot year of our Tree Coupon Program! Between October 2024 and May 2025, there were 517 trees purchased through this program and planted on private properties within Bellingham. Approximately one-quarter of the trees purchased through the program went to neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover (see page 22 in the draft Urban Forest Plan). Thank you for helping Bellingham increase tree canopy cover citywide.

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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