FAQs & Statements

Can I request a free tree to plant in my yard?

FACT: "69% of land in Fayette County is privately owned ... we need landowners to plant and maintain trees too! Improving Lexington's tree canopy will take effort from everyone." - Reforest @ Home

Knowing that, this phase of the Meadows Tree Project can only fund trees planted in Utility Strips - the grass strips between the sidewalk and the street - along 10 designated streets. HOWEVER, you can fill out the Tree Rquest Form and make a note that you're interested in planting a tree in your yard and we'll work to make that happen. 

What streets are eligible for a free Street Tree?

Carneal Rd., Cicada Ave., Darley Dr., Emerson Dr., Gay Pl., Highland Park Dr., Locust Ave., Logan Pl., Marcellus Dr. and Meadow Ln.

I don't live on one of the designated planting streets.

We encourage you to fill out the form anyway because we're looking for additional funding and would like to help you plant a Street Tree in the very near future.

Between April 1 and June 1, 2026.

The City of Lexington requires property owners to fill out a permit to plant a Street Tree. The permit is FREE and it's done to make sure the mature tree would fit the space and thrive. 

A FREE permit from 811 Dig is also needed to make sure utilities won't be damaged during planting. 

The trees available for the Meadows Tree Project were reviewed by arborists with the city and are approved for planting in this area.

Trees Lexington has dedicated volunteers to mobilize for planting projects. Their volunteers will also follow up in the future to mulch and limb the trees they plant. Bottom line: You don't need to be a tree-care expert to particpate in this project. There's people who can help with that. Although, it will be important for residents to water trees for two years after planting.

Residents will be provided with information on specific watering needs.

Urban Tree Canopy Report Card (2022)

Urban Forestry | City of Lexington, Kentucky

Tree Board | City of Lexington, Kentucky

Cane Run Watershed info

North Carolina State Univeristy Extension

Castlewood Park Tree Report

Lexington Tree Planting and Selection

The Cane Run Watershed is where the water in the Meadows neighborhood drains and then flows into Scott County on its way to North Elkhorn Creek.

"The Cane Run Watershed is an important water resource because it supplies water to the Royal Spring Aquifer, which is the major source of drinking water for the city of Georgetown." But it's polluted - manure and nitrogen runoff from ag and e. Coli. - and because of this pollution, "the stream is unable to support aquatic wildlife habitat and is unfit for primary contact recreation, such as swimming."

Source: Dept. of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, Univ. KY