The application deadline for fall plantings through the Branching Out Dubuque tree-planting initiative has been extended to Sept. 1, 2026.

Branching Out Dubuque is a cooperative effort between Sustainable Dubuque and Dubuque Trees Forever. It aims to plant approximately 5,000 new trees in the community by the end of 2029. The initiative launched in August 2024 and is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Through the program, income-qualified residents throughout the city of Dubuque are eligible to receive free trees. Residents and property owners who meet income eligibility guidelines can sign up to receive trees through a form at SustainableDubuque.org/BranchingOutDBQ or by calling 563-543-9172. Requests received by Sept. 1 will be eligible for fall plantings.

To be eligible, residents must provide documentation which verifies they have an annual income that is below the 80% Area Median Income guideline, which is approximately $82,000 for a family of 4. Acceptable documentation demonstrates participation in any of the following programs:

• City of Dubuque Housing Choice Voucher Program
• City of Dubuque utility assistance
• A low to moderate income City housing program
• FIP (Family Investment Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits within the current calendar year
• Hawki
• HACAP assistance

Residential property owners and business owners in certain areas of the city are also eligible for the program, regardless of income level. Eligible locations include:

• Downtown Dubuque, including the Washington neighborhood
• The Point neighborhood
• Portions of the North End east of Central Ave. and south of 32nd St.
• Areas along John F. Kennedy Rd. generally between Dodge St. and Asbury Rd.

Those selected to be included in the initiative will receive a tree, as well as mulch, a watering bag, and training on proper tree care and maintenance. Sustainable Dubuque will assist in choosing a tree variety that is best suited to the location’s site conditions. For those with physical limitations, volunteers from Dubuque Trees Forever will be available to assist with tree planting.

Once the Branching Out Dubuque initiative is completed, it is expected to increase Dubuque’s overall tree canopy to 40%, advancing one of the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan.