# Be A Smart Ash Free Right-of-Way Tree

> Request a street tree from Denver Parks & Recreation, Office of the City Forester (City) for Denver, CO, United States.

Official page: https://beasmartash.org/what-can-i-do/apply-for-a-tree/
Source: https://treerm.org/residents/programs/denver-be-a-smart-ash-free-street-tree · Updated 2026-11-08 · Status: Open

**What you get:** A free tree (about 8 feet tall) delivered and planted by the city in the public right-of-way next to your property

Denver Parks & Recreation plants free non-ash trees in the public right-of-way next to Denver homes as part of its Be A Smart Ash response to emerald ash borer. After you submit a request, the city marks utilities, an arborist checks the site and picks a species such as hackberry, elm, Kentucky coffeetree, oak, or catalpa, and crews deliver and plant the tree. You do not need an ash tree to qualify.

## Who qualifies

There must be adequate space in your right-of-way: at least 30 feet from intersecting curbs, 20 feet from streetlights and stop signs, 10 feet from alleys, driveways, and fire hydrants, 5 feet from water meters, and clear of other trees. Trees must be planted in the right-of-way, not the yard. After planting, care falls to the property owner or tenant.

## How to apply

Submit the online tree request form linked from beasmartash.org. Allow at least two weeks after utilities are marked to hear back. Water the new tree daily for the first two weeks. Questions: forestry@denvergov.org or 720-913-0651.

**For:** Homeowners, Renters

> Note: The page does not state an application window, planting season, or funding limits; its footer is dated 2024.