Tree Giveaway Program

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The City of Vista is excited to relaunch the Free Tree Giveaway Program! Through this program, Vista residents and licensed Vista businesses are eligible for a free tree or pollinator plant to plant at their property. Trees and pollinator plants advance environmental equity, instill a sense of belonging, and improve overall health and quality of life for residents and visitors. Increasing the local tree canopy throughout Vista enhances wildlife habitat, mitigates the effects of climate change, supports the City’s Climate Action Plan, and the City Council’s goals. If you are a Vista resident or licensed Vista business interested in this program, please review the program policy:

Tree/Pollinator Plan Giveaway Program Policy

The 2025 Tree Giveaway Program is now Closed.

Due to the program's popularity, all available funds have been exhausted. City Staff has contacted all residents who have already submitted an application via email. If you have submitted an application but have not heard from City Staff, please reach out to climateaction@vista.gov, and Staff will reply with an update on your application status.

Who is eligible for a free tree?

All Vista residents and Vista licensed businesses within the City of Vista boundaries. Proof of address is required. This can be proven via official mail, such as a billing statement from a utility provider, a driver’s license with a current address, or a State of California ID card with a current address.

In addition, residents who received a tree in the 2024 giveaway program are allowed to reapply for a second tree in the 2025 program. The health/growth status of the 2024 tree is required.

What kind of trees are available?

Any tree listed on Vista’s Tree Planting Program List:

a list of qualifying trees

una lista de árboles que cumplen los requisitos

These trees include regionally friendly, utility-friendly, fruit trees, trees adapted for changing climates, and pollinator plants. This list is subject to change from time to time due to nursery availability.

The program limits one (1) approved plant/tree per residential address and up to three (3) plants/trees per business located in a commercial or industrial area. Per program policy, the City is not obligated to provide a replacement if an approved plant fails to thrive.

Click here to read for more information on tree and plant species.

Where can I plant my tree?

Trees received in the Free Tree Program must be planted on the participant’s private property with permission from the property owner, and participants must follow the planting guidelines.

Participants interested in planting in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property must submit a signed No Fee Street Tree Permit Application along with their Tree Giveaway Application. City staff will review the applications and follow up with approval and instructions on planting in the right-of-way. Please read the program policy for more details.

How can I obtain a free tree or find out more information?

There are three different ways for residents or businesses to get a free tree: either by requesting a tree delivery or voucher by completing and submitting an application to reserve an approved plant, or by purchasing an approved plant from a local nursery with an active business license and requesting reimbursement from the City via application submittal.

After the application or reimbursement request is submitted, City staff will review and contact the applicant with the next steps for either voucher, delivery, or reimbursement.

Active business license Vista nurseries (list subject to change):