Trees · Indiana

City of South Bend Free Street Tree Program (Community Canopy)

Run by South Bend Venues Parks & Arts (SBVPA) Forestry, City of South Bend

WaitlistLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Free tree, about 2-inch caliper and 8-10 ft tall, planted by the city
Who qualifies
South Bend property owners with a suitable tree lawn.
Where
South Bend property owners with a suitable tree lawn.
Status
Waitlist. First come first served; all 2027 trees already claimed, new applicants directed to spring 2028 planting.
Type of payment
Free item
Official program page

What you do

Request a free street tree planted in the tree lawn (city right-of-way between curb and sidewalk) in front of your home.

Requirements

  • Tree goes only in city right-of-way between curb and sidewalk (up to 10 ft from curb if no sidewalk)
  • Tree lawn at least 5 ft wide
  • City cannot remove an existing tree to make room
  • Owner waters the tree for two years, about 20 gallons per week when under 1 inch of rain that week
  • City is not responsible for the tree after planting

How to apply

  1. 1Complete the online Free Street Tree Application on the SBVPA tree giveaway page
  2. 2Forester contacts you within 2 business days
  3. 3Urban Forester does a site visit for infrastructure, utility locates and suitability
  4. 4If approved, site goes on the planting list
  5. 5Optionally suggest a species from the city list and send a photo with a stake marking the spot; the forester makes the final decision

Timing and deadlines

Planting windows spring March 1 to May 31 and fall October 1 to December 31

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs