Tree Planting Program

Tree Planting Program-websiteThe Edwardsville Environmental Commission is offering a spring 2026 City Tree Planting Program in addition to the annual fall program. This long-running initiative allows residential property owners to add or replace a tree within City limits and share the cost with the City!

This program enables residents to be reimbursed one-half the cost (up to $100) of purchasing and planting one approved tree each year at their primary place of residence within Edwardsville City limits. For residents to be eligible for reimbursement, applications must be received by the Department of Public Works and approved by the city PRIOR TO FINAL TREE SELECTION AND PLANTING. (Previous recipients are eligible to participate; funds are allocated on a first come, first served basis.)

Program Guidelines

Step 1)  Submit the online application or a printed version to: 

Edwardsville Public Works Department, City Tree Planting Program, 200 East Park Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Applications must be received by Friday, March 20, 2026. Only those trees on the "List of Approved Trees" (below) will be considered for approval.

Step 2)  After receiving approval to proceed from the Public Works Department, the property owner shall purchase the tree and arrange for planting. All owners are required to contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) online or by calling 811 or 1-800-892-0123 and request location and marking of any potentially conflicting underground utilities. This MUST be done prior to any digging. The tree must be planted no later than Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Step 3)  Apply for reimbursement. Submit a receipt for purchase of the tree no later than Friday, April 10, 2026, to the Edwardsville Public Works Department at the address listed above. Receipt for tree purchase must be dated between Monday, February 23, 2026, and Sunday, April 5, 2026. Applications for reimbursement will be reviewed and the applicant will be contacted by email once approved. Reimbursement will only be authorized for the planting of the approved tree type listed on the original application AND after inspection and approval of proper tree planting. Funds are allocated on a first come, first served basis so don’t delay!

Questions? Call the Public Works Department at 618-692-7535.

Are you looking for guidelines that can help you select the right tree for your property? The Morton Arboretum, a nonprofit organization and expert tree resource, offers a selection tool. Access the Tree Selection Tool

List of Approved Trees

* denotes native trees
  • American Hophornbeam (shade)*
  • American Smoke Tree (ornamental)
  • American/European Hornbeam* (shade)
  • Arborvitae
  • Basswood (shade)*
  • Beech (shade)*
  • Birch (shade)*
  • Black gum (shade)*
  • Buckeye (ornamental)*
  • Carolina Silverbell (ornamental)*
  • Catalpa*
  • Cherry (ornamental)
  • Crabapple (ornamental)
  • Dawn redwood
  • Dogwood*
  • Elm (disease resistant)*
  • Fir (evergreen)
  • Fruit (apple, cherry, peach,  pear)
  • Ginko (male)
  • Hackberry*
  • Hawthorn (ornamental)*
  • Honey locust, thornless (shade)*
  • Kentucky Coffeetree*
  • Larch
  • Linden (shade)
  • London Plane Tree
  • Magnolia (ornamental)
  • Maple (NOT Norway, Japanese or Silver)*
  • Oak (NOT sawtooth or pin oak)*
  • Pawpaw (ornamental)*
  • Pine (evergreen)*
  • Pond/Bald Cypress*
  • Red Cedar (evergreen)*
  • Redbud (ornamental)*
  • Sassafras (ornamental)*
  • Serviceberry (ornamental)*
  • Sourwood (shade)
  • Spruce
  • Tulip tree (shade)
  • White Fringetree (ornamental)
  • Witch Hazel (ornamental)*

Ways to Apply

Online Application (Link is only active during the program eligibility period.)

Printable Application (Link is only active during the program eligibility period.)