How You Can Help

The health of our urban forest depends on you. City residents, public partners, government agencies and local businesses are all needed to share in the responsibility for tree planting, tree care and tree preservation. With a concerted effort, we can improve the tree cover that beautifies our neighborhoods and increases the livability of our cities.

You can help by planting more trees, taking care to plant the correct species, providing proper maintenance, and telling us about trees you’ve planted so we can track these important efforts. DCH can provide a wealth of information on tree care, including general care and maintenance guides, advice on hiring a professional arborist, the many benefits of urban trees, and tree identification and species information.

• Where To Plant: DCH encourages tree planting anywhere in the New Castle County metropolitan region where tree canopy can be added. This includes both public spaces and private yards. These maps indicate areas of Wilmington that have been designated as priorities for more trees.
• How to Plant: Trees are sold in containers, bare root, or with soil balled in burlap. Each type of tree requires a slightly different approach for successful planting. See a diagram of step-by-step instructions and a recommended list of Urban Trees.
• Tell us about Trees You’ve Planted: If you plant a tree anywhere in Delaware, we’d love to hear about it! We will track your efforts, and may even be able to connect you to local partnerships and tree funding opportunities. For Wilmington residents, your new trees will be added to the total of the Wilmington Tree Counter.
• Basic Tree Care: Learn about the most important things to make sure your new tree grows healthy and strong.
• Bare Root Trees: Bare root trees are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to plant. They also tend to grow fast and have a great survival rate. DCH sponsors a sale of bare root trees each spring and fall. The varieties available are specially selected for urban environments.
• Wilmington Tree Permit and Request Forms: In Wilmington, street trees are controlled by the City but the responsibility for care belongs to the property owner. A permit must be issued to plant, prune or remove trees between the sidewalk and the curb. Do you need help paying for planting or maintaining street trees? Limited funding is available for individual homeowners or community groups.