2023 ReLeaf Grant

2026 FREE TREE OPPORTUNITY!

The City of Detroit Lakes was awarded over $61,000 in funds to aid in tree planting and shade coverage. Trees have been planted in multiple locations since 2024, and in 2026 there is an opportunity to have one planted on YOUR boulevard! The City has 100 trees that can be planted along boulevards within the city. The City will supply the trees, stakes, soil, mulch, education, and we’ll even dig the hole. Your responsibility, as the property owner, will include caring for the tree, signing an agreement stating you will take responsibility for said tree, and then checking in with the city for three years with the progress on the tree. If you want some shade in your neighborhood and you are willing to be the responsible caretaker, please take a moment to sign up. Deadline to sign up is April 1. Click the icon above to get started.

To learn a little bit about each tree option, click here.

The options are Boulevard Linden, Ivory Silk Lilac, Common Hackberry, Red Splendor Crabapple, and White Flowering Crabapple.

 

ReLeaf Grant information:

Over $6.883 million in new funding was made available by the Minnesota Legislature to enhance community forest health that will encourage and promote the inventory, planting, assessment, maintenance, improvement, protection, and restoration of trees and forest resources.

Eligible applicants included non-profit organizations with 501(c) status and local units of government in Minnesota, including cities, counties, regional authorities, joint powers boards, towns, soil and water conservation districts, public schools and tribal nations. Parks and recreation boards in cities of the first class were also eligible to apply.
Priority was given to:

• Credentialed professional tree care staff. This includes contract, city, or organization staff working on the project.
• Those who prioritize emerald ash borer, especially removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant safety concerns.
• Benefit underserved populations and areas of concern for environmental justice, such as communities with higher populations of low-income residents, people of color, tribal communities, or both.
• Maintain or increase tree canopy cover.
• Communities with populations less than 20,000.

The City of Detroit Lakes applied for this grant and was awarded over $61,000 in funds to aid in tree planting and canopy coverage over the next three years. The City is dedicated to planting trees within city limits based on multiple factors including results from a community survey, a map of underserved areas in regards to income, planting suggestions, and community events in the next couple of years.

In 2025, more trees will be planted in the food forest at South Shore Park. In 2026 trees are tentatively planned to be planted along Long Lake Road, and 140 trees will be given to residents interested in planting one on their property. The tree is of no cost, but proper care of said tree will be required.

A Community Survey was open from April 1 to May 15, 2024. Thank you to those who submitted input. Results showed boulevard plantings in parks closer to the lakes and the grassy areas near Morrow Ave. These ideas will be taken into consideration when planning our fall planting.