Show All Answers

1. When does the application open and how do I apply?

Applications for the 2016 program will open in October, 2015. Applications will be available on the main Puyallup NeighborWoods page. Please review the information on our website and consider the space you have in your yard and in your planting strip before submitting your application. To receive an email when species and the opening date are announced, join the 2017 notification list by requesting to be added: Contact us.

2. Can I still apply for trees if I rent my house?

Yes! However, you must get permission from the homeowner before you apply for trees through our program. Consider who will take care of the trees (i.e. pruning and watering) during the tree’s crucial establishment years (3 years after planting).

3. Why is there a wait-list for some trees?

We can only offer a limited number of trees to stay within our budget. Some species of trees are very popular, and while we provide as many of them as possible, demand often exceeds supply. Many people on the wait-list do end up being offered a tree, as others release their trees for a variety of reasons.

4. What happens if I am placed on a wait-list for a tree?

If you request a tree that we are sold out of, we will notify you that you’ve been placed on a wait-list. Wait-list requests are added in the order applications are received. If you would like to request an available species rather than stay on the wait-list, contact us at Trees@ci.puyallup.wa.us with your new request and we will update your application to reflect the change.

If you choose to remain on the wait-list and a tree becomes available for you, we will notify you by email as soon as possible. Most trees given to people on the wait-list become available after the first workshop, as participants release their trees for a variety of reasons. After all of the trees have been picked up, we will alert everyone still on the wait-list and encourage you to try again next year!

5. Why don't you offer any fruit trees?

We may offer fruit trees in the future; however, fruit trees are generally more expensive to purchase for the city and are not part of the program currently.

6. Is there help available if I’m physically unable to pick up and plant a tree?

Yes. On a case-by-case basis, we can help participants who are physically unable to plant a tree themselves. We are only able to plant permitted and approved street trees and are not able to help plant trees within a yard. Because young trees need a great deal of care and because we are unable to provide long-term maintenance for all of our trees, it is critical that you or someone you know can help you adequately care for your new tree after it is planted. Please give us a call at 253-841-5418 or email us at Trees@ci.puyallup.wa.us to inquire about tree planting assistance.

7. Is there a limit on the number of trees I can receive through Puyallup NeighborWoods?

Yes. You can apply for up to three (3) trees per address in total – if you apply for three (3) trees and receive approval, the third tree must be an evergreen conifer (you may only qualify for the third tree if you have room in your yard or street tree area). We set this limit to make sure a greater number of Puyallup residents have an opportunity to participate in the program. We require that the third tree be one of the conifers we make available to maximize the program's stormwater benefits.

8. What if I applied for a tree and don’t want it anymore?

Not a problem, just let us know ASAP so we can find the tree a new home! Email us at Trees@ci.puyallup.wa.us and let us know that you are releasing your tree so we can give it to someone on the wait-list.