Longmont Community Invited to Request a Free Tree

The Growing Shade program is preparing to bring 200 new trees to east Longmont neighborhoods. The Growing Shade program is available to properties in Longmont that are east of Main St. and in an area with less than 25% tree canopy coverage. An interactive map of eligible properties is available online.

“Trees provide so many benefits to us,” said PLAY Foundation executive director Angie Jeffords. “Historically, certain neighborhoods haven’t had the same access to trees, but this program aims to change that. We encourage anyone in east Longmont to check to see if they are eligible and sign up.”

Growing Shade is a collaboration between Boulder County, the City of Longmont and PLAY Foundation’s Tree Trust. The program is funded by the Boulder County Sustainability Tax, a voter-approved 0.125% sales and use tax. This is the second year for the Growing Shade program. In 2025, the program planted 100 trees in Longmont. Earlier this year, the program brought 100 new trees and shrubs to Lafayette.

“Growing Shade is innovative because it goes beyond planting trees,” said project manager Dede Croissant. “Participants also receive tools and tips to help them care for their new trees so that they grow and thrive into maturity.”

Trees help protect us from a warming climate

According to the National Weather Service, Longmont has already experienced more than 35 days above 90 degrees this season. Climate change will only make the risk of extreme heat worse. The City of Longmont’s Climate Risk Assessment predicts as many as 70 days above 90 degrees per year by 2050.

Mature trees can reduce air temperatures by four to six degrees in suburban areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Summers in Colorado are getting hotter, and planting trees is an important strategy to keep Longmont’s neighborhoods cool,” said City of Longmont Forester Brett Stadsvold. “Mature trees provide numerous benefits including shade, helping to make Longmont a more livable community.”

East Longmont residents interested in receiving a tree through the Growing Shade program are encouraged to register, free of charge, on the Growing Shade website. Those not eligible for this program are invited to learn more about the Longmont tree sale lottery that happens every spring.

Learn more about the ways the City of Longmont is addressing extreme heat on the Keep Cool Longmont website.

About PLAY Foundation Tree Trust

PLAY Foundation’s Tree Trust works with community members to grow and maintain the urban tree canopy throughout Boulder County. The Tree Trust connects, educates, and empowers our communities by providing resources to grow and care for the density and sustainability of urban trees.