Community tree planting program
Beautify your community and save energy when you plant a tree.
We're partnering with Trees Forever to support tree-planting projects in communities throughout Iowa and Wisconsin. This is part of our One Million Trees initiative.
Apply now! Applications are due Nov. 1.
Apply now! Applications are due Nov. 1.
Click for more information on your state's program:
Eligibility
We offer the Community Tree Planting program to all communities where we provide service. We award grants of up to $5,000 per community to plant trees around places like parks, schools, libraries, community buildings and streets. Projects must provide energy-saving benefits to the community.
Trees Forever administers and facilitates the program, providing educational and planning support. In Iowa, the program is funded by customers’ energy efficiency contributions.
How to apply
Please fill out the online application. Act now. Applications are due November 1, 2025.
Grant cycles and deadlines
We award grants once per year, but you can apply any time. We’ll hold onto your application until the grant cycle opens.
| Application deadline |
grants announced |
funding awarded |
Planting dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
November 1, 2025
|
February 2026 | April 2026 | Spring or fall 2026 |
2025 Iowa grant recipients
| COMMUNITY | AMOUNT AWARDED | TREES TO BE PLANTED (PROPOSED) |
|---|---|---|
| Alta | $4,300 | 14 |
| Atlantic | $2,840 | 22 |
| Belmond | $5,000 | 56 |
| Burlington | $5,000 | 60 |
| City of Cedar Rapids | $5,000 | 33 |
| Chariton | $4,815 | 30 |
| Chester | $5,000 | 20 |
| Clear Lake | $5,000 | 23 |
| Cresco | $3,000 | 53 |
| Creston | $5,000 | 22 |
| Decorah | $5,000 | 35 |
| Dubuque | $5,000 | 39 |
| Dyersville | $5,000 | 37 |
| Eddyville | $1,500 | 10 |
| Garwin | $2,000 | 11 |
| Jefferson | $5,000 | 49 |
| Keota | $4,420 | 34 |
| Manchester | $4,700 | 32 |
| Marion | $5,000 | 100 |
| Marshalltown | $4,000 | 32 |
| Mason City | $5,000 | 60 |
| McGregor | $1,430 | 19 |
| Mechanicsville | $2,000 | 18 |
| Monona | $3,325 | 30 |
| Northwood | $4,200 | 20 |
| Oelwein | $5,000 | 41 |
| Protivin | $5,000 | 30 |
| Rolfe | $5,000 | 23 |
| Solon (Cottage Reserve) | $3,000 | 13 |
| Thornton | $5,000 | 23 |
| Waukon | $4,000 | 53 |
| Worthington | $3,500 | 24 |
Eligibility
We offer the Community Tree Planting program to all communities where we provide service. We award grants of up to $5,000 per community to plant trees around areas like parks, schools, libraries, community buildings and streets. Projects must provide energy-saving benefits to the community.
Trees Forever administers and facilitates the program, providing educational and planning support.
How to apply
Please fill out the online application. Act now. Applications are due November 1, 2025.
Grant cycles and deadlines
We award grants once per year, but you can apply any time. We’ll hold onto your application until the grant cycle opens.
| Application deadline |
Grants announced |
Funding awarded |
Planting dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
November 1, 2025
|
February 2026 | April 2026 | Spring or fall 2026 |
2025 Wisconsin grant recipients
| COMMUNITY | AMOUNT AWARDED | TREES TO BE PLANTED (PROPOSED) |
|---|---|---|
| Baraboo | $5,000 | 42 |
| Belleville | $5,000 | 28 |
| Town of Beloit | $5,000 | 15 |
| Blue River | $4,900 | 19 |
| Bristol | $1,950 | 26 |
| Fitchburg | $5,000 | 43 |
| Milton | $5,000 | 43 |
| Oregon | $5,000 | 20 |
| Sheboygan | $5,000 | 75 |
| Vesper | $5,000 | 37 |
| Windsor | $4,300 | 30 |
Why tree planting is important
- Planting trees provides shade and cools the air, helping lower energy costs and reducing peak electric demand.
- The trees planted represent an energy savings of over 14 million kilowatt-hours. That’s the equivalent of removing 7,800 vehicles from the roads each year.
- The Community Tree Planting program also helps diversify the tree population. A diverse urban forest is the best way to ensure resiliency against tree diseases and pests like the emerald ash borer.
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