In 2003, the City of Salem established the Free Tree Program to provide native vegetation to streamside residents, aiming to increase shade in riparian areas. After a brief hiatus, the program returned in 2019.

Program Overview

Now, streamside residents in Salem have the opportunity to receive free trees and shrubs to plant next to the stream on their property. Each year the program runs, Salem streamside owners will receive a letter or email detailing the available plants and instructions on how to order them.

The Free Tree Program is available exclusively to Salem streamside residents and businesses. If you would like to be added to our streamside mailing list, please email stormwateroutreach@cityofsalem.net.

Examples of Plants Provided

Here are some native plants that have been provided as part of the Free Tree Program in past years. The specific plants available each year depend on availability from participating nurseries. Streamside residents will be contacted each year via email or mail with a current list of available plants.

For more information on plants native to the Northwest, download our brochure.

Douglas Spirea

(Spirea douglasii) Flowering pollinator shrub. Grows in moist to wet soil and sun or partial sun.

Pacific Ninebark

(Physocarpus capitatus) Flowering pollinator shrub. Grows in moist to wet soil and sun or partial sun.

Red Flowering Currant

(Ribes sanguineum) Flowering pollinator shrub. Grows in moist to dry soil and sun or partial sun.

Western Red Cedar

(Thuja plicata) Evergreen tree. Grows in moist soil and sun or shade.

Red Osier Dogwood

(Cornus sericea) Flowering pollinator shrub. Grows in moist soil and shade.

Snowberry

(Symphoricarpos albus) Flowering pollinator shrub. Grows in moist to dry soil and sun or shade.