TREE Power
Urban Forestry Application for Funding
Take note! Applications are accepted from April 10 through June 10, 2025. Funding awards will be announced by August 28, 2025.
Qualifying sites
Grant funds may be used for public land urban forestry projects that are publicly accessible within Snohomish County PUD territory. Examples are public parks, public building courtyards, community gardens, or school grounds.
*Areas under power lines are not eligible for this program.
Our priorities
TREE Power grants support diverse community projects aimed at planting trees in designated areas, optimizing green spaces, and reducing energy usage. Our first priority is funding trees around hardscapes, with restoration as a secondary consideration.
All projects should:
- Combat heat island effect: Hard, dry surfaces such as pavement, concrete, buildings, and rooftops absorb the sun’s rays then re-emit them producing heat. Towns, cities, and communities retain heat to a higher degree than rural areas, typically 15-20 degrees warmer. This program aims to reduce the heat island effect by planting trees to strategically shade buildings. Projects that demonstrate tree locations that will shade buildings and pavement will be prioritized, but all will be considered.
- Optimize tree selection: Ensuring the right tree species are planted in suitable locations to optimize energy conservation. (See PUD Tree List Suggestions in Resources)
- Demonstrate ‘right tree right place’: Strategic tree planting plans should consider location to mitigate removal costs as well as soil and sunlight conditions when choosing tree species.
- Present detailed tree maintenance plans: Good maintenance plans include plans for watering, weeding, staking, mulching, monitoring, and tree replacement.
- Ensure equitable access: Projects in underserved communities to allow equitable access to urban forestry spaces.
Who should apply?
Government, quasi-government entities and non-profit organizations.
Funding
Project funding generally ranges from $7,500-$15,000 per project. A minimum of 70% of funds must be for tree-related expenses:
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- Cost of trees
- Staking, guying, and structural supports
- Mulch
- Soil amendments
- Watering bags
Other expenses (non-tree related) 30% of funds
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- Other costs including labor
- Landscape Professional or Arborist oversight
- Maintenance
Site visit expectations
At least two site visits will be required:
- Prior to project evaluation and
- To approve the project for final payment
Application checklist
- Include details for planting, staking, watering, weeding, mulching, monitoring
- Include strategy to minimize tree mortality including a water regime
- Outline tree replacement strategy
- Specify tree species count
- Detail timeline including site prep, plant acquisition and planting
- Describe the project site area
- Submit 3-5 photos including overhead power lines
- Detail benefits of project including heat Island and/or AC load reduction
- Describe how it is welcoming to the public
- Include the community impact of this project
Aligns with Tree Power priorities:
- Combats Heat Island Effect
- Optimizes tree selection
- Demonstrates ‘right tree right place’
- Detailed tree maintenance plans
- Ensures equitable access
Click here for the application form
And please read the important information on the page
Please contact treepower@snopud.com with any questions.