Healthy Neighborhoods

Tree Equity Initiative – Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket

Groundwork Rhode Island, funded by a Landscape Scale Restoration grant from the U.S. Forest Service, is working hand-in-hand with municipalities, residents, businesses, and schools to plant 2,000 trees in four northern Rhode Island communities in an effort to promote tree equity by increasing tree coverage in low-canopy neighborhoods.

Groundwork RI is now looking to identify qualifying locations to plant starting in spring/fall 2023. This is a three year project. If you are a resident, business owner, or school personnel, please contact our team at [email protected] if you are interested in getting a free tree for your property. Tree recipients (that means you!) are responsible for watering your free tree in its first 2-3 years until the tree gets established. 

You can also sign up using the following link:

Who can get a free tree?

Property owners AND renters living in areas with low tree canopy cover may be eligible. Groundwork RI utilizes the Tree Equity Score Analyzer (TESA), developed by American Forests, to determine the percentage of canopy cover and location eligibility. Further information about the software can be found at the website linked below.

How many free trees can I have?

Typically 1–3 trees per property, but we can plant more on large properties and areas of public use.

When and how will I get my free tree?

To receive a tree, we require the property owner to sign a permission to plant. Delivery and planting is 100% free. Trees are planted in the spring and the fall. Our team will schedule a visit and recommend the best free tree for your home and property.

Where on my property will my free tree get planted?

When our team visits your property, we will work together to choose the best planting location (your front or back yard, the public right-of-way, a paved area that can be de-paved, etc.) along with the best tree species for your property. 

Who will maintain the tree after planting?

Groundwork RI will provide a quick tree care training for you upon your receiving of a tree. We ask that you then assume the responsibility to water the tree in its first 2-3 years of planting. Young trees also require mulching and basic pruning. Groundwork RI can support residents in these tasks through training, coming by once a year to check on the tree, or other methods. 

Why are we planting trees?

The U.S. Forest Service (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or USDA) awarded Groundwork RI a Landscape Scale Restoration grant allowing Groundwork RI to plant trees at no cost to residents. The overall goal of the project is to promote Tree Equity in the four focus communities. Tree equity is defined as the right number of trees so all people, regardless of neighborhood, experience the health, economic, and other benefits of trees. The Forest Service grant is being matched with a grant from the Bezos Earth Fund, awarded to Groundwork RI through our parent organization Groundwork USA. 

Thank you to our partners!

*The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.