PA Community Tree Assistance Program

PA Community Tree Assistance Program is sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry. Provides financial assistance for community forestry through partnerships with pre-qualified tree care vendors.

Shapiro Administration Invests Nearly $2 Million to Help Communities Plant | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Shapiro Administration Invests Nearly $2 Million to Help Communities Plant More Trees New statewide program through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will fund tree planting, maintenance, and safety work in communities that need it most — saving local governments money and improving neighborhood health.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Follow on Facebook Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Follow on X Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Follow on Instagram Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Follow on YouTube <b>Harrisburg, Pa.

</b> – The <b>Shapiro Administration</b> is making it easier and more affordable for communities across Pennsylvania to plant and care for their trees by launching a new program that will cover the full cost of urban tree projects — from planting to pruning to hazard removal.

</p>\r\n<p><b>The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) </b>has launched the <b><a href=\"/content/copapwp-pagov/en/services/dcnr/get-help-with-trees-in-your-community. html\" target=\"_blank\">PA Community Tree Assistance Program</a></b> a new initiative backed by <b>$1. 8 million in available funding for 2026</b>.

DCNR will <b>hire and pay qualified tree-care professionals directly</b>, eliminating the financial barrier that often prevents small towns, neighborhoods, and nonprofits from maintaining a healthy tree canopy. </p>\r\n<p>“Healthy trees create healthy communities, and Governor Shapiro is investing in programs that expand access to the benefits trees provide,” said <b>Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn</b>.

“By covering the costs of planting, maintenance, and long-term planning, we’re making it possible for every community to build a safe, vibrant, and resilient urban forest.

”</p>\r\n<p><b>What the Program Delivers — at Zero Cost to Communities</b></p>\r\n<p>Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, eligible communities, local governments, and nonprofits can request fully funded support for:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow</li>\r\n<li>Pruning and maintaining existing trees to keep them healthy</li>\r\n<li>Conducting tree inventories and developing long-term management plans</li>\r\n<li>Inspecting and addressing tree hazards to improve public safety</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Projects must take place in public or community spaces, such as parks, along streets, school grounds, or cemeteries.

Projects typically range from <b>$5,000 to $50,000</b>, and smaller communities are encouraged to combine needs and apply together. </p>\r\n<p><b>Nearly $2 Million Available — Focused on Communities That Need It Most</b></p>\r\n<p>The program includes <b>$1. 8 million in funding for 2026</b>, supported by the Keystone Tree Fund as well as other state and federal investments.

</p>\r\n<p>Communities located within priority areas identified by federal and state environmental justice screening tools are strongly encouraged to apply. Priority areas can be viewed in the Layers tab on DCNR’s <b><a href=\"https://padcnr. treekeepersoftware.

com/index. cfm? deviceWidth=1280\" target=\"_blank\">PATreeKeeper</a> </b>map.

</p>\r\n<p>Applicants are encouraged to <u><a href=\"https://pacedcitpowerapps. powerappsportals. us/services/UrbanCommunityForestry/\" target=\"_blank\">contact DCNR Urban and Community Forestry staff</a></u> for assistance and to discuss the project before applying.

</p>\r\n<p>Once a project is approved, DCNR will manage the contracting process and hire <b>pre-qualified arborists, foresters, and landscape professionals</b> to complete the work. </p>\r\n<p><b>Part of the Shapiro Administration’s Broader Investment in Community Revitalization</b></p>\r\n<p>The new program builds on the Shapiro Administration’s major investments in urban forestry and community revitalization.

In 2024 alone, the Shapiro Administration awarded <b>$10. 5 million in tree-planting and habitat-conversion grants</b>, advancing Governor Shapiro’s vision of strengthening communities, improving public spaces, and driving local economic growth.

</p>\r\n<p>Trees play a critical role in reducing energy costs, improving air quality, slowing stormwater runoff, reducing noise, and supporting wildlife — benefits that are especially important in underserved communities.

</p>\r\n<p><b>How to Apply</b></p>\r\n<p>Communities and nonprofits can learn more or request support by visiting DCNR’s <u><a href=\"/content/copapwp-pagov/en/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/community-outreach-and-development/urban-and-community-forestry. html\" target=\"_blank\">Urban and Community Forestry</a></u> webpage, contacting their regional tree specialist, or watching the <i><u><a href=\"https://psu. mediaspace.

kaltura. com/media/Community%20Forestry%3A%20Direct%20Contracting%20Grant%20Availability/1_znivf01y\" target=\"_blank\">Community Forestry: Grant Opportunities</a></u> </i>webinar. </p>\r\n<p>Tree-care professionals can apply to join DCNR’s approved contractor list through the <u><a href=\"https://www.

pa. gov/agencies/dgs/submit-proposals-and-bids-for-commonwealth-projects/itq-documents/itq-application-guide\" target=\"_blank\">Commonwealth’s Invitation to Qualify</a></u> program. </p>\r\n<p>Pennsylvanians can also support community tree-planting efforts by donating to the <b><a href=\"/content/copapwp-pagov/en/services/dcnr/donate-to-the-keystone-tree-fund.

html\" target=\"_blank\">Keystone Tree Fund</a></b> online or through the voluntary $3 check-off on driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. </p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"># # #</p>\r\n"}}"> Harrisburg, Pa.

– The Shapiro Administration is making it easier and more affordable for communities across Pennsylvania to plant and care for their trees by launching a new program that will cover the full cost of urban tree projects — from planting to pruning to hazard removal. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has launched the PA Community Tree Assistance Program a new initiative backed by $1.

8 million in available funding for 2026 . DCNR will hire and pay qualified tree-care professionals directly , eliminating the financial barrier that often prevents small towns, neighborhoods, and nonprofits from maintaining a healthy tree canopy. “Healthy trees create healthy communities, and Governor Shapiro is investing in programs that expand access to the benefits trees provide,” said Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn .

“By covering the costs of planting, maintenance, and long-term planning, we’re making it possible for every community to build a safe, vibrant, and resilient urban forest.

” What the Program Delivers — at Zero Cost to Communities Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, eligible communities, local governments, and nonprofits can request fully funded support for: Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow Pruning and maintaining existing trees to keep them healthy Conducting tree inventories and developing long-term management plans Inspecting and addressing tree hazards to improve public safety Projects must take place in public or community spaces, such as parks, along streets, school grounds, or cemeteries.

Projects typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 , and smaller communities are encouraged to combine needs and apply together. Nearly $2 Million Available — Focused on Communities That Need It Most The program includes $1. 8 million in funding for 2026 , supported by the Keystone Tree Fund as well as other state and federal investments.

Communities located within priority areas identified by federal and state environmental justice screening tools are strongly encouraged to apply. Priority areas can be viewed in the Layers tab on DCNR’s PATreeKeeper map. Applicants are encouraged to contact DCNR Urban and Community Forestry staff for assistance and to discuss the project before applying.

Once a project is approved, DCNR will manage the contracting process and hire pre-qualified arborists, foresters, and landscape professionals to complete the work. Part of the Shapiro Administration’s Broader Investment in Community Revitalization The new program builds on the Shapiro Administration’s major investments in urban forestry and community revitalization. In 2024 alone, the Shapiro Administration awarded $10.

5 million in tree-planting and habitat-conversion grants , advancing Governor Shapiro’s vision of strengthening communities, improving public spaces, and driving local economic growth. Trees play a critical role in reducing energy costs, improving air quality, slowing stormwater runoff, reducing noise, and supporting wildlife — benefits that are especially important in underserved communities.

Communities and nonprofits can learn more or request support by visiting DCNR’s Urban and Community Forestry webpage, contacting their regional tree specialist, or watching the Community Forestry: Grant Opportunities webinar. Tree-care professionals can apply to join DCNR’s approved contractor list through the Commonwealth’s Invitation to Qualify program.

Pennsylvanians can also support community tree-planting efforts by donating to the Keystone Tree Fund online or through the voluntary $3 check-off on driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. DCNR Communications Office Department of Conservation and Natural Resources