Apply for a Free Tree - It's Fall ReLeaf Time!
- Aug 21, 2026
For the last 38 years, Cincinnati Parks’ Fall ReLeaf program has grown, improved and sustained the canopy coverage of our city. This highly successful effort has given away 27,000 free trees of over 40 species of trees. In fact, this is one of the programs that helped raise Cincinnati's overall tree canopy 5% (from 38% to 43%) between 2010 and 2020. Please consider doing your part to help keep the momentum going by signing up for a tree for your property and encouraging others to do the same.
This year we greatly thank the generous support of our presenting sponsor MadTree Brewing and our supporting sponsors Dynegy and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, who are proud to be able to provide free urban trees for Cincinnati residents.
Are you interested in participating for 2026? Thanks to our 2021 Tree Canopy Census, Cincinnati Parks is able to target neighborhoods with less than 40% tree canopy coverage. In an effort to increase tree canopy in those neighborhoods, applications will open first to neighborhoods with less than 40% tree canopy:
Priority Neighborhoods
Avondale (37%)
Bond Hill (25%)
Camp Washington (8%)
Carthage(33%)
Corryville (14%)
Downtown (7%)
East End (30%)
Evanston (31%)
Hartwell (37%)
Linwood (28%)
Lower Price Hill (20%)
Madisonville (36%)
Mt. Adams (31%)
Oakley (26%)
Over-the-Rhine (13%)
Pendleton (12%)
Queensgate (10%)
Roselawn (26%)
Walnut Hills (33%)
West End (14%)
Registration for a free ReLeaf Tree:
- Applications open Saturday, September 12 at 8am to low canopy neighborhoods (listed above).
- Applications open to all City of Cincinnati residents Saturday, September 19 at 8am.
- Pick up dates for those who register.
- Wednesday, October 14 from 4:00pm - 9:00pm at MadTree's Night in the Trees event, 3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
- Saturday, October 17 from 8:00am - 1:30pm at MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
- Monday, October 19 from 12:00pm - 3:30pm at MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
The Fall ReLeaf program was established to provide shade trees for homeowners whose curb lawns were too narrow for tree planting or for those with overhead utility lines. The program has blossomed to include community and school involvement, a more diverse tree species selection and backyard planting. This year’s program is made possible by our generous sponsors, MadTree Brewing, Dynegy and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Their support allows us to provide trees at a $75 value to Cincinnati property owners at no cost.
The Cincinnati Park Board’s Natural Resource division works diligently to bring each residential neighborhood up to 40% tree canopy coverage to help improve the impacts of air pollution, urban heat island effect, residential energy demands, and storm water management. Just one large canopy deciduous tree, such as an oak or sycamore, can help control 400 to 1,000 gallons of storm water through canopy interception. This benefits homeowners by adding shade, beauty, reducing soil erosion, and managing flooding from rainfall.
MadTree Brewing is sponsoring Cincinnati Parks' Fall ReLeaf for the seventh year in a row. Their Purpose is to connect people to nature and to each other. They are beyond excited to partner with us for the Fall ReLeaf program and help make a direct, positive impact across Cincinnati. Together, we prioritize neighborhoods that fall below the 40% tree canopy coverage goal and work toward creating healthier and greener communities throughout the city. They embrace their namesake and work to celebrate and protect nature while reducing their impact on the environment. They are proud members of 1% for the Planet, with a commitment to donate 1% of sales to non-profits focused on environmental sustainability. MadTree Brewing. Inspiring Madness. Planting Purpose.
"Dynegy is proud to support the work of Cincinnati Parks and their incredible goal of achieving 40% tree canopy in neighborhoods, citywide! Each tree planted through ReLeaf will make a difference – contributing to a cleaner, cooler, healthier city."
Help us meet our goals and improve our urban environment by planning to place an order for your free tree.
If you have any questions on selecting a tree please call 513-861-9070.
This Year’s Tree Selection List:
Sugar Maple
Botanical Name: Acer saccharum
Height and Spread: 70 ft by 30 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Rounded
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Other: Brilliant fall color
Buttonbush
Botanical Name: Cephalanthus occidentalis
Height and Spread: 10 ft by 6 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Crown Shape: Large shrub
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Other: Fun spherical flowers from June to September
Flowering Dogwood
Botanical Name: Cornus florida
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 20 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Flat top or rounded
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Other: Early Spring blossoms
Persimmon
Botanical Name: Diospyros virginiana
Height and Spread: 50 ft by 30 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Oval
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Other: Edible fruit in early Autumn
Spicebush
Botanical Name: Lindera benzoin
Height and Spread: 10 ft by 10 ft
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Crown Shape: Large shrub
Light Requirements: Part shade
Other: Golden yellow Fall color
Sweetbay Magnolia
Botanical Name: Magnolia virginiana
Height and Spread: 20 ft by 15 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Crown Shape: Spreading
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Other: Large white flowers, and semi evergreen foliage
Hoptree (Wafer Ash)
Botanical Name: Ptelea trifoliata
Height and Spread: 15 ft by 10ft
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Crown Shape: Round, bushy
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Other: Fragrant flowers and unique, wafer-like fruits
Willow Oak
Botanical Name: Quercus phellos
Height and Spread: 60 ft by 35 ft
Growth Rate: Fast to moderate
Crown Shape: Round
Light Requirements: Full sun
Other: A majestic, large shade tree with long, narrow, willow-like leaves