Climate Ready Canopy
The Climate Ready Canopy program is a new initiative designed to significantly expand Oak Park's vital tree canopy by supporting new tree plantings on private properties. Through this program, the Village is providing residents and other groups with FREE native trees to help make Oak Park cooler, greener and more resilient for generations to come while furthering the comprehensive Climate Ready Oak Park Plan.
The current Climate Ready Canopy pilot program focuses on planting larger, 10-gallon native trees in areas where they can provide the greatest climate benefit. The selected priority neighborhoods in Northeast and South Oak Park (see map below) have been identified based on Village’s Vulnerability Assessment showing these areas have limited existing tree canopy coverage and are more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat and localized flooding. By planting larger trees in these specific areas, Village officials hope to rapidly enhance resilience for Oak Park's most impacted residents while gathering data to inform future program expansion.
Who is eligible?
Priority Residential Properties (1 free tree)
One (1) free 10-gallon native tree, delivered, for single-family and small multi-family (2- to 4-flats) residential properties located within the two designated priority neighborhoods:
- Northeast Oak Park: Bounded by North Avenue (north), Ridgeland Avenue (west), Augusta Street (south), and Austin Boulevard (east).
- South Oak Park: Bounded by Jackson Boulevard (north), Harlem Avenue (west), Roosevelt Road (south), and Austin Boulevard (east).
Group Properties (up to 10 free trees)
Up to ten (10) free 10-gallon native trees, delivered to the property, for eligible organizations Village-wide, including:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Faith-based organizations
- Condominium/Apartment associations
- Non-profit organizations
How to apply
Please complete an application to receive your free tree! The deadline to apply is Feb. 20, 2026. First come first served. Stock is limited.
Residential Application*
Group Application
*Not in one of the eligible areas? Submit an application to be added to the waiting list. Should additional trees be available after the deadline, applications from the wait list will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until tree supplies are exhausted.
Additional resources for Oak Park residents
If your home is located outside the priority neighborhoods, or if you simply wish to participate in a smaller way, you can pick up a small, native tree sapling (approx. 1-gallon size) at one of our community events. These saplings are distributed free of charge to all Oak Park residents and community members on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
Check our calendar for the following opportunities:
- Arbor Day & Earth Month Giveaways: Look for us at various events across Oak Park in April 2026 (details to be announced).
- Oak Park Farmers' Market: Visit the Village's sustainability booth in May 2026 (dates to be announced).
Oak Park residents are also eligible to purchase discounted native trees, shrubs and perennials through the West Cook Wild Ones annual Spring Native Plant Sale (pre-orders typically begin in March) and Fall Tree and Shrub Sale (pre-orders typically begin in August).
Environmental benefits
The Village is committed to enhancing community-wide resilience against the impacts of climate change, specifically extreme heat and flooding.
Trees play a critical role in this effort by sequestering carbon, providing natural cooling through shade and transpiration, and absorbing stormwater to reduce urban runoff.
The Village is dedicated to planting and maintaining a diverse mix of trees on public property to mitigate environmental stressors while bolstering local biodiversity. In recognition of its impressive canopy coverage – which currently reaches nearly 48% -- Oak Park has been officially designated a Municipal Arboretum.
The Urban Forest Management Plan has identified private properties as a key opportunity to expand this canopy beyond the already robust public inventory.
For more information about the Village's tree care and maintenance program, visit www.oak-park.us/trees.