Mesa Neighborhood Shade Tree Program

Learn the basics of selecting, planting, and caring for a shade tree so it can thrive for years to come. We'll cover:

Why Plant a Tree?

• Create cooling shade
• Reduce home energy use and costs
• Improve air quality
• Help reduce urban heat
• Add beauty and curb appeal

Steps for Shade Tree Success

• Choose the right tree for the right place
• Plant your tree properly
• Water your new tree for healthy establishment
• Provide ongoing care as your tree grows

Program Eligibility Requirements:

• Own the home or have the legal right to plant a tree on the property. If you are a renter, obtain consent from your landlord.
• Live within the Mesa incorporated boundaries (not a County Island).
• Attend our educational event on October 24, 2026, at Pioneer Park.
• Pick up the trees the day of the workshop (Oct. 24).
• Participants are responsible for transporting, planting, and maintaining the tree received in this program
• Call 811 within 2 weeks of the event to mark utilities before you dig.
• Be sure no underground utilities will be impacted by the installation of a tree.
• Be sure the planting location will not result in the tree contacting overhead power lines or communication lines when the tree is mature (for City of Mesa Electric customers).

*Note: Businesses are not eligible.

How to receive up to two free trees:

1. Review the eligibility guidelines on the 'Find Out if You Qualify' tab.

2. Register to attend our Mesa Shade Tree Workshop and Tree Distribution Event on Saturday, October 24, at Pioneer Park, SW Field. Parking is located at the Park-and-Ride lot off of N. Lesueur. 

Participants will sign up for either a 9 a.m. start time or an 11 a.m. start time.

Upon arrival, participants will be grouped and sent to one of 5 stations, each of which will cover a different topic of tree care. Participants will stay with their group and rotate through all 5 stations before choosing and receiving their trees. The workshop will take about 90 minutes not including tree selection and pickup. 

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There are currently six different types of desert-adapted trees being offered that are tolerant of our low rainfall and hot summers. The 5-gallon trees will be approximately 3-5 feet tall. They will require supplemental watering to get established. Print a copy of the tree selection list(PDF, 1MB).

Mature size is 30’ tall x 30’ wide. Small thorns. Semi-evergreen.

The Blue Palo Verde has a blue-green trunk, branches, and leaves. Bright yellow flowers cover the tree in spring and the branches have small thorns. This tree is great for birds and other wildlife. Seasonal litter will occur from flowers, seedpods, and partial leaf drop. Native to Arizona. It is our Arizona State Tree.

Mature size is 25’ tall x 25’ wide. No thorns. Deciduous.

The Desert Willow has narrow, bright green leaves and an upright appearance. Large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped pink flowers bloom from late spring through summer. Great for attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. Seasonal litter will occur from the flowers and leaf drop in winter.

Mature size is 35’ tall x 35’ wide. Thornless. Deciduous.

The Red Push Pistache has a dense canopy of dark green foliage through summer. Flowers are non-showy, but the new growth emerging in red tones and the fall/winter color of the yellow and reds make this a striking tree for the landscape. Be sure to plant where it has plenty of room to grow. Seasonal litter.

Mature size is 30’ tall x 30’ wide. No thorns. Semi-evergreen.

The Thornless South American Mesquite or Chilean Mesquite is a large tree that provides lush dark green canopy. Branches are thornless and the tree will bloom with yellow-cream catkin flowers in spring. This is a hybrid species but is great for wildlife and pollinators. Seasonal litter will occur from flowers, pods, and leaf drop.

Mature size is 25’ tall x 25’ wide. Thorns. Deciduous.

The Velvet Mesquite has a dense canopy of ferny gray-green foliage. Pale yellow catkin flowers adorn the tree in spring followed by bean pods that support wildlife. This tree is great for attracting birds, butterflies, and pollinators. It does have small to medium thorns. Beans can be ground into edible flour. Seasonal litter.

Mature size is 40’ tall x 20’ wide. No thorns. Evergreen.

The Willow Acacia has narrow green leaves, an upright growth form, and a willowy appearance. Fragrant, small, cream-colored puffball flowers are heaviest in spring. This tree has low to moderate litter, but it will drop a small number of leaves throughout the year.

Visit our Trees Are Cool page to see how you can help us grow a cooler community. 

Plant a tree, then register the date you planted and the planting location on our tree map. Once on the page, you will see a yellow rectangular button that says, “Record Your Tree.” By doing so, your tree will show up on the map along with those recorded by other Mesa residents and businesses in support of our community tree initiative. 

We are partnering with Trees Matter, a Phoenix-based environmental education nonprofit whose mission is “To Inspire and Promote an Increased Tree Canopy Throughout the Valley.” Trees Matter has been contracted to oversee our Shade Tree programs for Mesa residents who qualify. You can contact them with any questions at the number and/or email below. 

Phone: 480-935-9988

Email: MesaShadeTrees@Treesmatter.org

Trees Matter plants trees at schools, parks and within communities in need. They distribute desert-adapted trees to residents across the Valley and are always looking for passionate volunteers who want to help.

Visit TreesMatter.org to sign up to volunteer, become a monthly member, or make a one-time donation.

I can’t make the workshop date. Is there another option?
This program is offered twice a year. If you are unable to attend, and you are an SRP electric customer, you may be eligible for SRP's Shade Tree Program.

How big is the tree? Will it fit in my car?
Trees are in a 5-gallon container and are typically 3- to 5-feet in height. They will comfortably fit in most vehicles.

Is there someone available to plant the tree for me?
No. You are responsible for planting and maintaining your tree. 

Check out our quick guides for planting and watering your trees. 

How to Plant and Stake a Tree(PDF, 942KB)

How to Properly Water Your Trees(PDF, 847KB)