The Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative is offering a program for municipalities, communities, organizations, and other groups in need of tools and resources for tree planting and tree care across the Chicago region to apply to receive curated sets of planting tools and tree care materials.

An applicable drop-off location is required; a pickup option may also be available depending on the location. In addition, the applicant must agree to provide CRTI updates on the use of the tools every 6 months.

Each tool kit includes:

• 10 shovels
• 5 hard rakes
• 2 pickaxes
• 10 pruners
• 10 utility knives
• 10 loppers
• 5 soil knives
• 10 tarps
• 10 buckets
• 2 soil probes
• 23 pairs of gloves
• 1 container for the tools
• a tool guide
• a tree planting guide.

Applications have closed for 2024.

Applicants are also encouraged to become a partner with CRTI to participate in future tree plantings and community outreach events.