Neighborhood Tree Grant

The Hillsborough County Neighborhood Tree Grant Program supports community-based tree planting projects that enhance, diversify, and sustain the urban forest within residential neighborhoods located in unincorporated Hillsborough County.

Funded through the Hillsborough County Tree Trust Fund, this program helps implement the County's tree preservation, mitigation, replacement, and canopy enhancement objectives by reinvesting tree mitigation revenues into community tree planting and stewardship projects. The program provides financial assistance for the purchase and installation of trees that expand tree canopy, improve neighborhood livability, increase environmental benefits, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Hillsborough County's urban forest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the Neighborhood Tree Grant Program?

  The Neighborhood Tree Grant Program provides matching funds to support tree planting projects that enhance tree canopy, increase species diversity, improve neighborhood aesthetics, and strengthen the urban forest within unincorporated Hillsborough County.

  The program is funded through the Hillsborough County Tree Trust Fund and administered by UF/IFAS Extension in partnership with Hillsborough County.

• Who can apply?

  Eligible applicants include:

  • Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
  • Neighborhood Associations
  • Civic Associations
  • Community Development Corporations
  • Special Taxing Districts

  Applicants must have the authority to plant trees on the proposed site and be responsible for long-term maintenance.

• How much funding is available?

  Applicants may request up to $2,500 per project.

  A 25% match is required and may consist of:

  • Cash contributions
  • Volunteer labor
  • Donated materials
  • Other documented in-kind contributions
• How often can an organization receive funding?

  Organizations may receive funding through this program once every two years.

• What types of projects are eligible?

  Eligible projects include tree planting in:

  • HOA common areas
  • Neighborhood entrances
  • Community parks
  • Neighborhood common spaces
  • Rights-of-way where planting is permitted

  Projects should provide a community benefit rather than primarily benefiting a single property owner.

• What trees are eligible?

  Priority is given to:

  • Florida native and Florida-Friendly^TM tree species
  • Diverse species mixes that improve urban forest resilience

  Species must be appropriate for the planting site and approved through UF/IFAS Extension's technical review process.

• What does "Right Tree, Right Place" mean?

  Right Tree, Right Place means selecting tree species that are appropriate for:

  • Available growing space
  • Soil conditions
  • Sunlight exposure
  • Drainage conditions
  • Nearby buildings
  • Sidewalks and roadways
  • Underground utilities
  • Overhead utility lines

  Proper placement helps maximize tree longevity while minimizing future maintenance and infrastructure conflicts.

• Can palms be funded?

  No. Palm species are not eligible for funding through this program.

• Can grant funds be used for tree removal?

  No. Grant funds may only be used for eligible planting-related activities.

  Tree removal, pruning, and maintenance activities are not eligible expenses.

• Can grant funds be used for irrigation systems?

  No. Permanent irrigation systems are not eligible expenses.

  Applicants must demonstrate that a reliable watering source is available to establish newly planted trees.

• What expenses are eligible?

  Eligible expenses include:

  • Tree purchases
  • Tree delivery
  • Installation labor (up to 20% of total project cost)
  • Mulch
  • Stakes
  • Soil amendments
  • Other planting-related materials
• When can projects begin?

  Projects may begin only after award notification and approval by the program.

  Costs incurred before award notification are not eligible for reimbursement.

• When are applications due?

  Applications are accepted annually from:

  November 1 through January 31

  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• How are applications evaluated?

  Applications are evaluated based on:

  • Project readiness
  • Site suitability
  • Species diversity
  • Use of native trees
  • Right Tree, Right Place principles
  • Community benefit
  • Long-term maintenance commitment
  • Budget completeness
  • Alignment with community canopy goals
• When are awardees announced?

  Applications are reviewed between February and March.

  Award notifications are issued by the end of April.

• When must projects be completed?

  All trees must be planted and grant funds expended by November 30 of the award year unless an approved extension is granted.

• What reports are required?

  Awardees must submit:

  Final Planting Report

  • Due within 30 days of project completion

  One-Year Establishment Report

  • Due one year after planting
  • Documents tree survival and establishment success
• Who can I contact with questions?

  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

  Program details, application materials, and technical assistance are available through UF/IFAS Extension.