City to Plant 60,000 New Trees for Urban Shade
Residents in select zip codes can now apply for free trees and irrigation systems to help cool the valley.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Botany
Live Poll
Should your local government invest more in tree planting to reduce extreme heat in your area?
The City of Las Vegas will plant over 60,000 new plants as part of a long-term strategy to expand the urban canopy and mitigate desert heat. This initiative offers eligible homeowners in six zip codes the opportunity to install free trees and irrigation to help lower local temperatures.
Why it matters
Following the second hottest summer on record in 2026, the city is prioritizing natural shade to protect residents from extreme heat. Expanding the canopy is a central piece of the city's effort to improve cooling, particularly in areas like East Las Vegas that face the most intense temperatures.
The city has set a 20% tree canopy goal for 2035 and a 25% target by 2050. Foresters are currently testing over 100 different species to determine which thrive in the valley's climate.
The players
City of Las Vegas
The local government body implementing the tree canopy expansion and resident application program.
The details
City foresters select species three to four years in advance and adjust planting strategies based on ongoing experimental results. Residents living in zip codes 89101, 89102, 89104, 89106, 89107, and 89110 are eligible for the free tree and irrigation program. This work aims to provide long-term shade relief across the city as it pushes toward its 2050 Master Plan milestones.
Timeline
Summer 2026 marked the second hottest summer on record for Las Vegas.
The city aims to reach a 20% tree canopy by 2035.
The city aims to reach a 25% tree canopy by 2050.
Beyond the Strip
This initiative scales up existing greening efforts to align with the city's 2050 Master Plan. It represents a shift toward aggressive heat mitigation strategies following recent record-breaking summers.
If you live in zip codes 89101, 89102, 89104, 89106, 89107, or 89110, you may qualify for the city's tree and irrigation program. Visit the application portal to see if your property is eligible for a new, city-provided tree.
The takeaway
The city is actively expanding its canopy to combat rising desert temperatures in the valley's most heat-exposed neighborhoods. Homeowners in the six eligible zip codes should monitor the city's planting schedule for updates on upcoming distribution windows.
Further reading
Learn more about local flora and urban greening efforts on our Botany page.
More information
To check your eligibility or submit an application, visit the free tree and irrigation application portal.
Live Poll
Should your local government invest more in tree planting to reduce extreme heat in your area?
