The Memorial Tree Program provides a living tribute to benefit present and future generations.

Applications for 2026 are now being accepted. Please note that any submissions received after April 1, 2026, will be considered for the 2027 season.

The Memorial Tree Program offers community members and visitors the opportunity to honor and remember a friend or loved one within the City of Spearfish Park system. Participation in this program is open to all, with no eligibility requirements.

Locations

A list of approved planting locations is provided by Spearfish Parks and Recreation (see Campaign Documents below). Site-specific considerations include proximity to permanent structures, appropriate distance from overhead powerlines and underground utilities, lines of sight, future development plans, park usage, soil type, etc.

Species/Size Requirements

A list of approved Memorial Tree species is provided by Spearfish Parks and Recreation (see Campaign Documents below). The approved Memorial Tree species list is subject to change and is based on a variety of factors including hardiness (Zone 5a, 4a, 4b, or less), reliability of available stock maintaining species diversity in the urban canopy. Due to the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), no ash species (Fraxinus) will be permitted. The trees selected will be no less than 1.5” caliper as measured 6” above the root flare and will be of nursery-grade stock.

Planting Season

Memorial Trees will be planted in the spring. Participant(s) must contact Spearfish Parks and Recreation prior to April 1 for a spring planting.

Spring planting season: mid April – early June

Planting

Planting trees is a process that requires specific knowledge of tree biology and may require specialized equipment. Therefore, Memorial Trees will be planted by Spearfish Paks and Rec staff. If the participant(s) wishes to be part of the planting process, Spearfish Parks and Rec staff will determine the level of involvement and provide professional supervision of the planting.

Care and Maintenance

Spearfish Parks and Recreation will care for and maintain the Memorial Tree as it would any other tree planted in the park system. This includes regular watering on an “as needed” basis, mulching, staking, caging, pruning, and weeding around the planting site. Memorial Trees will be guaranteed for 1 (one) year from the date of planting and will be replaced at no cost to the participant with a similar tree, should the tree fail to establish.

Cost

There is a one-time fee of $600.00 for the Memorial Tree. The fee covers the cost of the tree, labor, materials, equipment required for planting, and the Keepsakes.

Keepsakes

A personalized “leaf” will be added to the Memorial Tree Plaque (optional), the tree will be identified as a Memorial Tree on the City of Spearfish Tree Inventory (optional), and a Certificate of Participation will be given to the Participant(s).

Contact Us

For more information, please contact the Parks and Rec Department at (605) 717-1189.

How To Participate

If you are ready to commit to the program, please select a park or area from the list on the right. The program will guide you through the rest of the questions. Once you submit the form a representative from Spearfish Parks and Rec will contact you to confirm your participation and develop a timeframe for the planting.