Planting 1000 beautiful, hardy trees in Livingston's public spaces to enhance the diversity of and access to our community forest

Livingston cherishes its trees, with nearly 4,000 adorning boulevards and public spaces, providing beauty, summer shade, wildlife habitat, and refuge from the notorious winds. Despite this defining characteristic, many residents lack the well-documented human health, environmental, and economic benefits of trees. The task of maintaining a healthy community forest has become more challenging, particularly with the threat posed to half of Livingston's trees— 46% are Ash trees—by the emerald ash borer, invasive beetles responsible for the loss of millions of ash trees nationwide.

In response, PCEC initiated Livingston Loves Trees in 2021 to enhance diversity, access to urban trees and overall resilience in our community forest. Collaborating with dedicated community volunteers, local landscaping businesses, and generous donors, we set an ambitious goal to plant 1,000 new tree species over the next decade, and increase diversity our urban forest by 28%.

Through our dedicated 'Tree Fund,' we raise funds to purchase, plant, and care for trees in Livingston's boulevards, public spaces, and front yards, ensuring enjoyment for everyone. In return, Livingston residents commit to "adopting" a tree, following a watering and care schedule for optimal survival. Our trees have achieved an impressive 98% survival rate. In comparison, the City of Denver, CO considers 50-75% survival a success.

Here are some resources you may find useful:

 

By the end of 2025, LLT has planted 375 trees! Increasing and diversifying our Livingston tree canopy by 10%!

Reach out to learn more how you can get involved and keep reading below to apply for a tree!

In the first three seasons, we planted over 270 trees, featuring diverse varieties such as oaks, elms, maples, lindens, honey locusts, flowering crabapples, Japanese tree lilacs, and more. Now we have planted 375 trees. These trees are nurtured by over 300 households across Livingston... and counting!

Livingston Loves Trees has been made possible by a powerful combination of government grants, generous individual donors, and incredibly passionate volunteers. We are then able to support several local businesses, including landscaping and nurseries owned and operated by Livingston locals.

However, with the future of state and federal funding uncertain, this beloved program is at risk. Please consider supporting this program by volunteering your time or donating to the tree fund and support your local tree programs.


PLANT IT FORWARD! GIVE TO THE TREE FUND


Livingston’s recent 2025 urban tree inventory reported primarily Ash species, and less than half of our trees are in good condition.

DNRC 2025 Livingston Montana Tree Inventory Fact Sheet

To contribute to PCEC's mission of cultivating a more resilient community forest, there are several ways you can help:

  • Searching for the perfect gift that will last for generations? Why not show your appreciation for someone by donating a tree on their behalf. For between $50 - $1000 you can ‘Plant it Forward’ and pay for a tree to be planted and looked after in our community. The Tree Fund is a dedicated account at PCEC, utilized solely for purchasing, planting, and caring for new trees.

  • Have an empty spot on your boulevard, front yard or in a public space in your neighborhood that could use a tree? If you agree to water and care for it, PCEC will plant a large ball and burlap Livingston-hardy deciduous tree for you for free – approximately a $750 value, with cost of planting. Maples, hawthorns, bur oaks, lindens, honey locusts, flowering crabapples, tree lilacs and more are given away on a first-come, first serve basis, so apply early to be considered for the upcoming planting season.

    NOTE: THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR 2025 TREES IS CLOSED, BUT YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR NEXT YEAR!

  • If you're eager to actively contribute, Livingston Loves Trees relies on passionate community volunteers. Engaging with adopters, site visits, planting, maintaining and more.

    Join the Tree Team today and get your hands dirty today for a greener tomorrow! Sign up to be a Volunteer!

Livingston’s Forests Provide Many Benefits

Livingston Street Trees Provide $644,150 Per Year in Benefits from DNRC’s 2025 Livingston Montana Tree Inventory.

Our trees provide so many benefits to Livingston. According to a recent DNRC report, our community urban forest in Livingston:

  • Reduces stormwater runoff by 7.1 million gallons annually.

  • Removes 3,393 pounds of air pollutants each year.

  • Saves 525,722 kWh and 47,702 Therms of energy annually.

  • Increases property values by $470,744.

  • Sequesters 713,642 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

  • Avoids 867,339 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

These 3,888 trees, valued at $8 million, enhance our quality of life and make Livingston a healthier, more vibrant place to live. By planting new trees, we're not just beautifying our town; we're investing in a sustainable future. By the end of 2025, LLT has diversified our urban canopy by 10%!

To contribute to PCEC's mission of cultivating a more resilient community forest, there are several ways you can help: