The Forestry Division has several programs for planting trees in our public spaces. The most important factor is you – city trees belong to the public! Each new tree requires a shared maintenance between residents and the Forestry Division – we ask you to help with watering, mulch and monitoring. Contact us for pruning needs or any other concerns. Learn more about our planting programs below:

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Cost Share Program

In order to maintain a healthy urban forest, the Forestry Division offers an annual selection of hardy, diverse species that are available to Bozeman residents at a shared cost. Forestry staff provide site placement and planting labor.

• Trees must be planted in the public boulevard (the space between sidewalk and curb).
• Residents are responsible for watering their new trees.

The 2024 Cost Share is now sold out. Please consider our Planting Permit or wait for next year's program.

2024 Selected Species:

Celebration® Maple (Acer x freemanii 'Celzam')

'Patriot' Elm (Ulmus 'Patriot')

Harvest Gold® Linden (Tilia x mongolica 'Harvest Gold')

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Showy Mountain-ash (Sorbus decora)

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)

All tree stock will be 1.5" diameter or larger. Applications are approved following site inspection to ensure compliance with Forestry Division standards. Cost Share trees are planted by Forestry Division staff and include staking, mulch and water bags (where appropriate). Cost Share trees are not guaranteed and replacement due to neglect will not be the responsibility of the Forestry Division.

For detailed information on each of the above species, please enter the scientific name of the tree (shown in parentheses) into your web browser. For all other questions, please contact the Forestry Division at 582-3225.

Plant Your Own Tree

Bozeman residents can plant trees on city boulevards by obtaining a free permit from the Forestry Division. We will provide guidance in selecting an approved species, placement, and planting techniques. By contacting us, you also help keep our tree inventory up to date.

Step 1: Fill out our free Planting Permit. The permit details all of our quality standards and spacing restrictions. Submit electronically or by mail for our review.

Step 2: Contact Montana 811 to have your underground utilities marked. This is a free service, and usually takes up to 2 business days. The toll-free number to call is 1-800-424-5555 or visit Montana811.org.

Step 3: Forestry Division staff will follow up with any concerns before final approval, upon which you can begin planting trees!

Here are some general guidelines that might be helpful before you select your tree:

• Placement of large shade trees should be 30-35 ft. apart.
• Placement of smaller, ornamental trees should be 20-25 feet apart.
• Trees must be kept a minimum of 10 ft. away from underground utilities.
• Only smaller, ornamental trees with a mature height of 25 ft. or less are allowed for planting under overhead utilities.
• Bozeman Municipal Ordinance requires a minimum trunk diameter of 1.5".
• Tree species must be approved for boulevard planting. Refer to our Street Tree Guide.
• Trees must be no closer than 30 ft. in front of a stop sign, and no closer than 15 ft. in front of other signs.
• For corner lots, trees must be clear of the street vision triangle. (see diagram below)

Tree Donation Program

Donate a tree to the Bozeman Urban Forest while creating a lasting legacy...

If you are interested in having the Forestry Division plant a tree for you in honor of someone special, or to celebrate a memorable occasion, please contact us at 582-3225.

There are places in Bozeman parks and Sunset Hills Cemetery in need of trees. We will work with you to determine an appropriate planting site and tree species to match the location and your preferences. Trees will be ordered and planted by the Forestry Division during the Spring planting season, so please call before the end of May.

Cost of tree, pick-up & delivery, donation plaque, and installation:  $500.00

Please note that not all sites are practical for the installation of plaques. As a tree memorial, information on the plaque must include the tree species you have selected.