In partnership with the Kansas Forest Service, the City of Bonner Springs is excited to offer FREE trees to its residents. Kansas Forest Service foresters will provide advice on the best location and species of tree within the Right-of-Way. City of Bonner Springs staff will plant and care for the tree for the first three years. 

This program is limited to one tree per address (Bonner Springs residents only) and will be awarded based upon site suitability. Planting will take place during the fall 2023 (October-November) planting season.

Click here to apply today! Applications open through July 21st.

Visit the Heartland Tree Alliance to find out more about the Benefits of Trees!

Notice of Nondiscrimination: The City of Bonner Springs complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). The City does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity).

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Where will my tree be planted?

Trees must be planted in your front yard right-of-way (typically within the 5-15 feet of the curb).  Staff and foresters will work with you to select a location within your front yard right-of-way where your new tree will thrive.

2.    How much will this cost me?

FREE! Your tree and tree care for the three years following planting is covered by the City of Bonner Springs through a grant obtained by the Kansas Forest Service from the National Association of Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

3.    Who will plant my tree?

City staff will plant your tree for you!  If you’re home and want to participate, we welcome you to join the team to learn more about proper planting practices. We will work with you to select a location where your new tree will thrive.

4.    Will my tree be planted properly?

Yes! City staff and the Kansas Forest Service take great care to ensure that proper planting techniques are followed. Staff are well trained and have lots of experience planting trees and helping you select the best location for your tree.

5.    Do I get to select the species of tree planted in front of my home?

We know not every yard has room for a large shade tree, so we’re offering a mix of small, medium, and large trees. Foresters from the Kansas Forest Service will take your preferences into consideration and select trees based on site conditions and species availability.

6.    How large will the tree be when planted?

At the time of planting, all trees will be at least 1-inch in trunk diameter and 5-10 feet tall.

7.    What are all these flags and spray paint marks?

We need to Dig Safe! We will have the underground utilities marked several times throughout this program. You will see painted markings and flags in the yard, which will help us identify SAFE places to plant. We will pick up all visible flags after the tree has been planted. Private irrigation lines will not be marked with the typical utility locates so the homeowner is required to contact staff to let us know the location of the lines, if there are any.

8.    How often should I water my tree?

The City will care for the tree and water the tree for the three years following planting. Staff will install a “gator bag” that will slowly release water to prevent over- and underwatering.

9.    I don’t own the home, can I still apply to receive a free tree? 

Yes!  We will require the property owner to provide written permission to participate in the program. We would be happy to speak to the property owner to further explain the program if necessary.Click here to apply today!