Tree Board

The purpose of the City of Elkins Tree Board Adopt-A-Tree program is to have more young trees planted throughout the city. The Adopt-A-Tree program provides a free young tree to selected homeowners in each of the city’s five wards. Application deadline for residents is Friday, April 11, 2025. Approved applicants will be able to pick up their free tree Saturday, April 26 from 10 am to noon at the Elkins Tree Nursery behind the historic Kump House. All applicants must be city residents.

Adopt-a-Tree Application

Residents in all five wards interested in adopting a tree are encouraged to fill out the application. Selected tree owners commit to taking care of the tree and planting the tree within two weeks of receiving it.

The young trees should be planted in front of the home or business and the type of tree will vary according to the location. Factors include size of tree lawn, overhead utility lines, light and soil conditions. Tree board members will help choose the proper tree and provide planting guides.

The goal of the program is to continue to cool the streetscape, provide shade for those walking on city sidewalks and encourage everyone to plant more trees in town. The benefits of planting trees are numerous. Not only do trees improve the aesthetics of a neighborhood, but they also assist with lowering water run-off, reducing air-conditioning costs and noise pollution. Most importantly, trees remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, which reduces the impact on climate change.

Adopt-a-Tree Application

The Elkins Urban Forest Management Plan was accepted by City Council in 2024. It contains information about the Elkins Tree Board’s goals and objectives, mission, work plans, and public survey results, which helped shape the document.

It also includes tree planting and care guidance and lists of recommended trees with descriptions for our area.

View the Elkins Urban Forest Management Plan