Volunteer Canopy Program
About the Program
Trees Knoxville started the Volunteer Canopy Program to empower neighborhoods by promoting tree planting on private land. It is essential to grow the urban tree canopy on private property because, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, about 89% of land is privately owned. This program specifically targets areas that could benefit from additional tree cover to create a more sustainable and resilient city.
Additionally, the Volunteer Canopy Program emphasizes public opinion, as community members are the ones directly invested in the health and future of their neighborhood. Knoxville’s urban tree canopy relies on the contribution from each and every neighborhood to care for and grow it. And that starts in your own back yard!
This program works with neighborhood leaders, called Tree Ambassadors, to help promote tree planting within their community. They are a vital connector between communities and help Trees Knoxville spread the word about the role that urban forests play in the health or our urban ecosystem.
2026-2027 Campaign
This year, Trees Knoxville is working with four neighborhoods to increase our urban tree canopy one yard at a time! We are working with Belle Morris, South Haven, Fourth & Gill, and Five Points.
This campaign allows homeowners to reserve up to 2 larger trees at no cost, and Trees Knoxville will order and deliver the trees straight to their door. Each neighborhood will then host an event to plant all of the trees at once, followed by an after party to celebrate the growth of the urban tree canopy!
If you live in one of these neighborhoods and have received a flyer or door hanger with a reservation qr code, please check out the resources to the right!
I received a flyer!
This means that your neighborhood Tree Ambassador has selected your area to participate in a planting event during the next planting season. Depending on what neighborhood you live in, your event will either take place in November 2026 or January 2027.
Once you reserve your tree by scanning the QR code and submitting your response, Trees Knoxville will order and deliver your tree straight to your house. On the day of the event, Trees Knoxville, our volunteers, and your neighborhood will all plant the trees together and enjoy an after party and tree adoption afterward!
Benefits of Trees
- shade
- cooler temperatures
- climate regulation
- mitigated flooding
- wildlife sanctuary
- curbside appeal
- lower utility bill
- much more!
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits trees provide, take a look at the attachment below:
How to Pick the Right Tree
If you are now convinced you want to reserve a tree but don’t know where to put your tree in your yard, take a look at the attachment below! This walks you through species selection so that you can rest easy knowing you chose the right tree for your yard:
Available Species
Now that you know how to select your tree, take a look at the available trees for your neighborhood. There are a variety of small, medium, and large trees for you to choose from based on the needs of your home. Select your neighborhood below to see what species are available to you!
Note: some neighborhoods have a different species selection due to restricted space availability.
Belle Morris Species Availability
South Haven Species Availability
Five Points Species Availability
Fourth & Gill Species Availability
Once you know which tree best suits your yard, return to the reservation form and select which tree you want. You will receive a confirmation email and updates about the event, the closer it gets!
Thank you for being a vital part of the growth of our urban forest and investing in the health of our beautiful city!