Giving to City of Fort Collins Parks is a meaningful way to commemorate a special event, honor a loved one or show your dedication to our community.
At this time, the City is no longer taking applications for tribute benches. We are re-evaluating this program to better meet community needs.
Give a gift that will last a lifetime (literally). The City of Fort Collins’ Living Tribute Tree program is the perfect way to honor someone special. Your donation of $500 covers the cost of the tree, planting, installation and care of trees placed on City property, in parks and along trails.
The City of Fort Collins will make every effort to accommodate requests for desired locations. However, please keep in mind that there are other maintenance and use factors the Parks Division must consider for Tribute Trees.
The placement of trees is intended to enhance the purpose for which the park was created and will be based on landscape and facility plans. Please remember: These trees are intended as tributes, not memorials. If the terms and timelines listed in the FAQ below are not a fit with your expectations, we encourage you to seek other community options for giving.
Use the form below to begin the application process for a Living Tribute Tree. Once your application is submitted, a Parks staff member will contact you within three business days.
Fees are approximately $500 per tree. The cost provides a deciduous tree that is approximately 2.25" in diameter or a conifer that is 6' in height, watering of the tree, and long-term maintenance and replacement fees.
The tree type, species, and location are the purview of the City’s Forestry landscape and facility plan, and the department staff.
Living Tribute trees will be located to maximize benefit to an area but minimize the impact on normal park use and maintenance operations.
Please indicate on the application if you would like to have a tree planted in a specific park. In some cases, the City Forestry staff may need to recommend an alternate park location to you as not all parks have space for additional trees.
The number of tree dedications within Fort Collins may, at any time, be limited or temporarily placed on hold, based on available maintenance resources such as staff, contract services, water restrictions and/or other factors.
To maximize the tree’s ability to thrive and grow, we plant our trees in early spring and late fall, before the trees have leafed out or after the leaves have fallen. We will let you know when and where your tree is planted.
The Forestry Division needs a minimum of two weeks from receipt of your living tribute request to finalize and arrange for tree planting. Donations of several trees may take longer. Tree planting is a seasonal activity and occurs primarily in the spring and fall.
Your involvement in planting or attendance is encouraged. Living Tribute Trees are planted by Forestry Staff, who will coordinate a time for planting with you.
The Forestry Division supplies, plants and cares for your Living Tribute Tree. The cost of a Living Tribute Tree is $500 and provides a deciduous tree that is approximately 2.25" in diameter or a conifer that is 6' in height.
Every effort will be made to support the tree growth, while being cognizant of nature dictating the lifespan. One replacement within the ten-year timeframe is applicable.
The FoCo Parks Forever Fund, a fund of the NoCo Foundation, supports the long-term maintenance and upkeep in City of Fort Collins parks and trails for generations to come. A gift in memory of a loved one one can be a meaningful reflection of the values of a life well-lived.
Contact CityGive to learn more about how you can support our City's beautiful parks and open spaces.
citygive@fortcollins.gov
970-221-6687