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Tree Giveaway Program

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The City of Vista is excited to relaunch the Free Tree Giveaway Program for 2026! Through this program, City of Vista residents and Vista licensed 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, and supports the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and City Council’s goals.

Please click here to read the 2026 Tree Giveaway Program Policy.

Haga clic aquí para leer la Política del Programa de Entrega Gratuita de Árboles 2026.

How Do I Get a Free Tree?

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. Review the Tree/Pollinator Plant Giveaway Program Policy for more information on these programs.

The 2026 Tree Giveaway Program is now closed.

Due to the Program's high demand of interest, we have already met the program's budget for the year. City staff have contacted all applicants. If you applied and have not heard from City Staff or have any questions, please reach out to at climateaction@vista.gov. Thank you!

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.

Click here to download the No Free Street Tree Permit Application.

Who is eligible for a free tree?

All 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.

Applicants who participated in past Tree Giveaway Programs are eligible to participate in this year’s program; however, priority for the first 100 trees will be reserved for new program participants. Past program participants are required to submit a photo and status update of the previous year’s planted tree/plant prior to approval.

What kind of trees are available?

2026 Tree Giveaway Program Qualifying Trees and Pollinators

Trees for a Changing Climate

Desert Museum Palo Verde

Western Sycamore

Wild (Mandela) Plum

Fruit Trees

Avocado

Apple

Apricot

Peach

Plum

Nectarine

Fig

Utility Friendly Trees

African Sumac

Little Gem Magnolia

Kay Parris Magnolia

Regionally Friendly Trees

African Fern Pine

Mexican Blue Oak

Hollyleaf Cherry

Chinese Elm

Tipu Tree

Saratoga Laurel

Street Trees

Brisbane Box

Crape Myrtle

Fruitless Ollive

Jacaranda

African Sumac

Australian Willow

Pollinator Plants

Narrowleaf Milkweed

California Lilacs

Coyote Mint

Yarrow

Cal Fuchsia

This 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 view more information on tree species.

Active Business License Vista Nurseries (list subject to change)

Resources/Recursos