Community Tree Program
Applications are now open for the spring 2026 Community Tree Program!
See application link and requirements below.
Planting Trees For All Newporters
The Newport Community Tree Program connects residents with free and reduced-cost tree plantings.
The program is open to all Newport residents, you do not need to own your home to request a new tree planting.
Trees may be planted on City property, along the street or sidewalk, or up to 20ft onto private property.
Addresses within Newport’s Health Equity Zone (HEZ), outlined on the map below, may request a new tree free of charge.
All other Newport residential addresses may request a tree planting for the subsidized cost of $125.
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Applicant reviews the program information and submits an application (select the “Apply Here“ button above) .
The Newport Tree Conservancy (NTC) contacts applicant to set up a site review.
NTC approves/declines application. All decisions will be communicated to applicants by April 30, 2025.
If approved, NTC marks planting site in applicant’s yard.
The City of Newport plants the trees starting in April.
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Outside HEZ: $125/tree. $25/water bag also available for purchase.
Inside HEZ: Free (Review the map above to determine if your address qualifies)
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• Location must be in the city of Newport
• Yard placement: trees must be sited within 20’ of a public right-of-way (street/sidewalk)
• Street placement: trees should not interfere with utilities, traffic, or pedestrians
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Participating in the Community Tree Program not only beautifies your home, but also provides the following benefits to you and our community as a whole:
• Energy savings from cooling shade
• Improved air quality
• Fights climate change by taking up and storing Carbon Dioxide
• Provides shelter and food for wildlife, such as pollinators and birds
• Reduces stormwater runoff
• Reduces urban heat island effect by cooling hot pavement
Curious about the specific benefits of your chosen tree species? Use the National Tree Benefit Calculator to learn more.
Trees will be 6’-10’ tall when planted, but will continue to grow for years to come. Use the scale below to plan for your tree’s future growth.
Tree Selection
Available Trees - 2026
Redpointe® Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Frank Jr.')
Type: Shade Tree
Native?: Yes
Mature Size: 50'H x 30'W
Points of Interest: Early spring flowers, red fall color
Description: One of the most popular red maples in cultivation, this outstanding selection is very fast growing, with a strong pyramidal form. Red flowers in the early spring, clean dark green foliage through the summer, culminating in brilliant red-scarlet fall color. Resistant to heat, adaptable to varying soil conditions, and performing well throughout the continental U.S. are just some of the reasons that make this tree one of the most popular shade trees on the market.
Emerald Avenue™ Fastigate Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'JFS-KW1CB')
Type: Specimen
Native?: No
Mature Size: 35'H x 25'W
Points of Interest: Upright habit
Description: Considered a landscape improvement over the very popular 'Fastigiata'. Develops a narrow ovate form, with dense branching born from a prominent central leader. More narrow at maturity than 'Fastigiata', with rich green leaves through the extremes of summer, turning buttery yellow in the late fall.
Flashfire™ Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'JFS-Caddo2')
Type: Shade
Native?: Yes
Mature Size: 50'H x 40'W
Points of Interest: Plated bark, fall color.
Description: An adaptable sugar maple selection with good resistance to heat and drought. Attractive dark green foliage resists foliar disease through the summer, then turns brillant red in mid-October. Slightly more restrained than other sugar maples, developing a dense, broadly oval habit.
Raspberry Spear® (Malus 'JFS-KW213MX')
Type: Flowering
Native?: No
Mature Size: 20'H x 48'W
Points of Interest: Spring blooms, dark purple foliage, upright habit, red fruit
Description: The ideal tree for a small yard, this tree provides season long interest with spring flowers, attractive purple leaves, and bright red fruit. The variety is distinctly upright growing, with flowers produced on twiggy growth, smothering the branches. Widely adaptable, works as a street tree, and praised by the tree experts.
Skinny Genes® Fastigiate Oak (Quercus xbimundorum 'JFS-KW2QX')
Type: Specimen
Native?: No
Mature Size: 40'H x 15'W
Points of Interest: Upright habit, fall color
Description: This incredibly fastigiate oak is the perfect tree where lateral space is limited near buildings and powerlines. Makes a great street tree, and is well adapted to the difficult conditions our summers bring. Produces attractive yellow fall color in early November
Chastity® Flowering Pear (Pyrus xtriploida 'NCPX2')
Type: Flowering
Native?: No
Mature Size: 30'H x 20'W
Points of Interest: White flowers, fall color, sterility
Description: An exciting introduction from the North Carolina State breading program that we've been able to offer the past couple of years. A prolific bloomer in April, yet nearly sterile, which is good because other cultivars including 'Bradford' have proved to invasive over the years. The form and habit of Chastity® are also improvements to ‘Bradford’, with strong branch connections, and architecturally sound habit. Beautiful dark red to purple fall color is consistantly produced in the fall.
Pink Myst® Cherry (Prunus sargentii 'JFS-KW21PS')
Type: Flowering Tree
Native?: No
Mature Size: 25'H x 15'W
Points of Interest: Spring blooms, fall color
Description: Narrow and upright in form, but compact in height, this flowering cherry is well-suited for urban landscapes. Very cold hardy. Fall color is consistently bright orange-red, among the best of the Asiatic cherries. Handsome bark and an upright symmetrical habit provide winter appeal.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Type: Flowering
Native?: Yes
Mature Size: 20'H x 20'W
Points of Interest: Showy flowers, interesting foliage, yellow fall color
Description: One of the best native trees, the edible, purple pink flowers that emerge in early May are a joy to all who witness. Nice heart shaped leaves, yellow fall color and interesting bark are appreciated bonuses. Makes a nice yard tree, a true beauty when in peak spring bloom.
Ivory Silk® Tree Lilac(Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk')
Type: Flowering Tree, small garden tree
Native?: No
Mature Size: 20'H x 20'W
Points of Interest: Late spring flowers, polished bark
Description: An excellent upright rounded flowering tree for the garden, 'Ivory Silk' produces masses of ivory white flowers in June around Father's day. Best in full sun, this selection is highly resistant to mildew. During the best years, fall color is a pleasant yellow. With proper care, it can make a great street tree.
