Property owners are required to self-certify they are income-qualified before being approved for tree services under this program. Residential property owners must have adjusted gross income (AGI) equal to or below 80% of the area median income (AMI), adjusted for household size, as determined by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. AGI can be found on your most recently filed federal income tax return.

Refer to the following chart to determine eligibility for this program.

Note: The table above is updated annually, typically around April.

If you don't meet the income qualifications and eligibility for the Shade SLP Plus program, the city has other resources and programs available to help you plant and care for your trees. Visit the trees page for more information.

Eligible property owners can apply for the following services at no cost to them.

Tree consultation (required before other services can be provided)

Upon request, a licensed tree inspector will visit your property to answer questions about your tree(s) and provide recommendations for maintenance, planting and/or other tree services that qualify for grant funding.

Ash tree removal

Only trees infested with emerald ash borer (EAB) will qualify for removal. A licensed tree inspector will confirm your tree is an ash tree and is infested with EAB. The city’s contractor will remove the tree. Each ash tree removed must be replaced by a newly planted tree (see tree planting section below). Stump grinding is not included in this program.

Ash tree injections

A licensed tree inspector will determine if your tree is an ash tree and if it is a good candidate for EAB preventive injection. The city’s contractor will perform the injection.

Tree planting

A licensed tree inspector will assist with tree selection, placement and quantity needed. The city’s contractor will plant the tree(s). An ash tree does not have to be removed to qualify for tree planting.

Tree pruning

This grant will cover developmental tree pruning. A tree inspector will help determine if your tree is a candidate for this type of work. The city’s contractor will perform this work. All tree species are eligible. There is a $1,000 maximum per property for this service.

If you are interested in applying and are eligible for the program, follow the steps below.

1.  Complete the Shade SLP Plus interest form to let us know you’re interested in an initial consultation.
   • A licensed tree inspector with the city will contact you to schedule a consultation at your property.
     
     
2. After the initial consultation, you will receive an acceptance and income certification form from the city. Please complete, sign and return this form to confirm you accept the proposed work and qualify for the program. A signed form must be received before any tree work can be scheduled. 

Note: This is a state grant program, and while we try to approve all projects, funds are limited. Projects will be prioritized in the order completed acceptance and income certification forms are received until grant dollars are gone.