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Tree Voucher Program Summary
The City of Paducah is providing financial incentives to property owners to plant shade trees on single-family residential property. The Tree Voucher Program will help replenish Paducah’s tree canopy, educate the public about the benefits of planting trees, and remove barriers that may exist for residents interested in planting trees on their private property.
Applications for the Tree Voucher Program open to the public by November 15, 2025, with only one voucher per property/address. Applications will be accepted through January 9, 2026. After an application review period, vouchers will be issued to approved applicants beginning February 1, 2026.
Below is a summary of the program elements:
- Vouchers will be in the amount of $250 and valid until December 31, 2026.
- Vouchers will be available until the designated funds are depleted. The City is setting aside $150,000 for this program.
- Applicant information will be stored for a future tree-mapping project.
- Vouchers can be redeemed only at the participating nurseries.
- Vouchers can be used only for the purchase of an approved tree species and size as listed below.
The delivery, planting, and long-term maintenance of the tree will be the responsibility of the property owner. Once planted, a member of the Tree Advisory Board will inspect to ensure proper planting.
Apply for a Tree Voucher
The applicant must complete the application and submit to Parks and Recreation for review by the January 9, 2026, deadline. Applications are available online, by PDF, and at the Parks and Recreation Department office located at 2701 Park Avenue at the back of the Robert Cherry Civic Center.
COMING SOON! Apply for a Tree Voucher (online form) Apply for a Tree Voucher (Fillable PDF)
Make Sure the Property is Within Paducah's City Limits
To be eligible for a Tree Voucher, the property must be within Paducah's city limits. Furthermore, this program is for single-family residential properties. To find out if a property is in the City, type its address into the link below.
Address Checker for Paducah City Limits
Accepted Tree Species
The goal of this program is to enhance Paducah's canopy of shade trees. Ornamental trees (such as a dogwood) are not eligible for a voucher.
Accepted Tree Species for Tree Voucher Program
Specifications for Type 1 Shade Trees: Must be a minimum of 1-inch caliper. | No less than 8 feet and no more than 11 feet in height. | Must have a root ball of no less than 16 inches in diameter and 10 3/8 inches in depth.
Specifications for Type 2 Shade Trees: Must be a minimum of 1-inch caliper. | No less than 5 feet and no more than 8 feet in height. | Must have a root ball of no less than 16 inches in diameter and 10 3/8 inches in depth.
Tree Voucher Program Full Guidelines
- Application Process
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Applicant must complete the application and submit to Parks and Recreation for review by the January 9, 2026, deadline. Applications are available online, by PDF, (LINKS COMING SOON) and at the Parks and Recreation Department office located at 2701 Park Avenue at the back of the Robert Cherry Civic Center.
Once reviewed and approved, Parks and Recreation will issue a $250 voucher to the applicant in February 2026. The vouchers are valid through December 31, 2026.
- Applicant Eligibility
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Only one (1) application is permitted per property/address. The applicant must own the property where the tree(s) is to be planted, and the property must be located inside the city limits of Paducah. This program is for single-family residential property only. It is not for commercial property at this time.
- Applicant Responsibilities
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- Applicant is responsible for ensuring the tree is planted per Paducah Code of Ordinances Sec 118.
- Applicant is limited to one (1) voucher. Additional vouchers may be requested for properties over 0.5 acres.
- Applicant is responsible for any additional fees/costs over the voucher amount.
- Applicant is responsible for any additional fees above and beyond the purchase price of the tree (mulch, tools, delivery, professional installation, etc.)
- Redeeming Voucher(s)
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STEP 1 - Once an applicant receives a voucher, it can be taken and redeemed at one (1) of the participating vendors, listed below:
- James Sanders Nursery - 4123 Schneidman Road, Paducah, KY 42003, 270-443-8851
- Edwards Nursery - 5600 Harris Road, Paducah, KY 42001, 270-444-6271
STEP 2 - The participating vendor will collect the voucher and work with the applicant to select desired tree(s) for purchase based on the following specifications:
- Must comply with the City’s Approved Tree List
- Must comply with the following sizes:
Specifications for Type 1 Shade Trees:
- Must be a minimum of 1-inch caliper.
- No less than 8 feet and no more than 11 feet in height.
- Must have a root ball of no less than 16 inches in diameter and 10 3/8 inches in depth.
Specifications for Type 2 Shade Trees:
- Must be a minimum of 1-inch caliper;
- No less than 5 feet and no more than 8 feet in height;
- Must have a root ball of no less than 16 inches in diameter and 10 3/8 inches in depth.
STEP 3 - The participating vendor will invoice the City for the purchase, less tax and additional fees, not to exceed the total purchase price of the tree.
STEP 4 - Any funds not expended for the purchase of trees will remain in the Tree Voucher Program Fund for future use by the City.
- Delivery and Planting
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- Applicant will contact 811 prior to digging.
- Applicant will work with the nursery on delivery and planting, if services are available, and desired.
- Tree must be planted on applicant’s private property, as submitted in the application.
- Tree must be planted according to Paducah Code of Ordinances Sec 118.
- Tree must be planted a minimum of 15 feet from the property line and in consideration of mature height and width.
- Once the tree is planted, a Tree Advisory Board member will inspect to ensure proper planting.
- Applicant is responsible for long term maintenance and care of the tree after planting.
