Coolcanopy
The Lands Council is proud to partner with the Spokane Conservation District on the CoolCanopy Program, an initiative helping grow a cooler, greener Spokane County. This program extends the benefits of urban trees not only to Spokane, but also to any property within Spokane County, including Airway Heights and Spokane Valley. If you own property in Spokane County, you qualify for a free tree through the CoolCanopy Program. There is no application process and no selection criteria. Simply sign up to reserve your free tree.
CoolCanopy trees may be planted in front yards, backyards, side yards, or anywhere on your property where they have room to thrive. Residents are required to maintain the trees including watering in the hot summer and fall months, and pruning the tree as it matures.
CoolCanopy’s goal is to significantly increase the number of urban trees in areas of lower canopy cover by 2030, addressing environmental justice and promoting healthier communities. By planting more trees throughout Spokane County, we’re creating cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, healthier communities, improved wildlife habitat, and lasting environmental benefits for generations to come.
Take advantage of these free trees while funding is available through USFS and EPA grants, which support the program through 2029!
What’s the Process?
Request free trees here.
Receive a confirmation email.
When trees are available for your property, a team member will reach out to confirm your eligibility, schedule a site visit, and have you select which tree species you’d like to have planted, depending on availability. We plant in the spring and summer months, and you may have to wait one to two planting seasons before you make it to the top of the waiting list.
Your trees will be planted by a team from The Spokane Conservation District or The Lands Council during an agreed-upon week.
Once the trees are planted, you’re responsible for watering and caring for them based on provided instructions.
We’ll check in the following year to determine the health of your new trees and provide a maintenance reminder.
Enjoy the shade, cooler temperatures, and cleaner air your trees will provide for decades to come!
How do I care for my trees?
Once planted, keep the soil moist but not soaked. Start with five gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per week and adjust as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. For the first three years, water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. Mulching newly established trees helps prevent moisture loss.
For more information on watering and care for both new and established trees, you can refer to the City of Spokane Tree Stewardship Guide and Tree Watering Guide:
Tree Species
Click here for a species guide. Species availability changes year to year, and no species is guaranteed. Trees are first come, first served, so once you sign up, watch your email and complete your species survey early to secure your favorite tree!
Want to have native trees planted? Serviceberry and Chokecherry trees are native, suitable for urban plantings, and provide food for wildlife.
Species we have planted in the past:
Join Us
Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the Spokane Conservation District.
Urban forestry is community-based, and The Lands Council cannot restore our urban greenspaces without the support of our community. You can help by signing up for a free tree, volunteering to plant trees, or donating to fund a planting. Our urban forestry programs rely on volunteers, and we need your support to continue this important work!
