Branching Out Dubuque is a cooperative effort between Sustainable Dubuque and Dubuque Trees Forever. It aims to plant more than 5,000 new trees in the community by the end of 2029. The initiative launched in August 2024 and is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Residents and property owners throughout the city who meet income eligibility guidelines can sign up to receive trees to plant on their property through a form at SustainableDubuque.org/BranchingOutDBQ or by calling 563-543-9172. Requests received by Feb. 28 will be eligible for spring plantings. Those interested in a fall planting should submit their requests by July 31.

To be eligible, residents must provide documentation which verifies they have an annual income that is below the 80% Area Median Income guideline, which is approximately $82,000 for a family of 4. Acceptable documentation demonstrates participation in any of the following programs: 

• City of Dubuque Housing Choice Voucher Program
• City of Dubuque utility assistance
• A low to moderate income City housing program
• FIP (Family Investment Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits within the current calendar year
• Hawki
• HACAP assistance

Residential property owners and business owners in the previously identified census tracts are still eligible for the program, regardless of income level. Eligible locations include: 

• Downtown Dubuque, including the Washington neighborhood
• The Point neighborhood
• Portions of the North End east of Central Ave. and south of 32nd St.
• Areas along John F. Kennedy Rd. generally between Dodge St. and Asbury Rd.

Those interested in the program can check their geographic eligibility by entering their address in the interactive map on the Branching Out Dubuque website: SustainableDubuque.org/BranchingOutDBQ

Those selected to be included in the initiative will receive a tree, as well as mulch, a watering bag, and planting assistance at no cost. Sustainable Dubuque will also assist in choosing a tree variety that is best suited to the location’s site conditions. Trained volunteers from Dubuque Trees Forever will also be available to assist with tree planting and to provide training on proper tree care and maintenance.

Once the Branching Out Dubuque initiative is completed, it is expected to increase Dubuque’s overall tree canopy to 40%, advancing one of the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan.