Free Tree Giveaway

Trees offer us so many benefits. Did you know that they provide shade from the hot sun? Trees also store rain to reduce flooding, provide shelter and food to birds, insects, and animals, clean the air we breathe and store carbon dioxide to reduce the impacts of climate change. The more trees and vegetation in your neighbourhood not only improves property values but is also great for your mental health and well-being.

Free tree details and eligibility

The City of Brantford is giving away 265 free trees to Brantford residents! Residents can select one tree from a possible six free tree options based on availability. A limited number of each tree is available based on a first-come, first-served basis. Trees will vary in their full-grown height depending on growing conditions. Before selecting a free tree, we recommend selecting one that best suits the conditions of your yard as outlined in the tree species list below. In order to receive one free tree, you must meet the following criteria:

• There is a limit of one free tree per household.
• You must be a resident of the City of Brantford (within the city limit). You can check the city limit from City’s Mapping Information System.
• The tree must be planted on a City of Brantford residential property.
• If you do not own the property, permission from the property owner must be obtained before planting the tree.

How to register

Register for a free tree, while supplies last, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026. Free trees must be picked up on Friday, October 2 between 9.00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., or Saturday, October 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Free trees will no longer be available or distributed after the specified dates.

Tree Species

S. White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

• Features soft, glossy leaves with silvery-white undersides.
• Thrives in areas where other trees struggle, especially in heavy or poorly draining clay soils.
• Can withstand temporary standing water, as well as dry summer spells once established.
• Grows to a manageable 15 to 22 meters, fitting nicely into medium-to-large residential yards.
• Leaves turn a rich coppery-bronze or golden-yellow in autumn.
• Fifty (50) two-gallon pots available.

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

• Feature uniquely shaped leaves and large yellow tulip-shaped flowers.
• Leaves turn an outstanding gold in fall and flowers are followed by cone-like fruit that provide winter interest.
• Grow up to 60-80 ft. (18-24m) tall and 30-40 ft. (9-12m) wide.
• Full sun is ideal, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
• Grow well in soils that are moderately moist, well drained, and loose textured. Rarely do well in very wet or very dry sites.
• Low maintenance, and not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Dear and rabbit resistant.
• Fifty five (55) two-gallon pots available.

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)

• A lovely, small, flowering tree with short trunk and crown of spreading or nearly horizontal branches.
• Feature showy clusters of white flowers in spring and orange-red fruit in summer which may persist till late in the year.
• Forest green foliage, which emerges burgundy in spring, turns an outstanding brick red in fall.
• Grow up to 15-30 ft. (4-9m) tall and wide.
• Best in partial shade, but if planted in full sun, MUST receive adequate water.
• Require evenly moist well-drained soil for the optimal growth. Rarely do well in standing water.
• Intolerant of urban pollution. Generally pest free. Deer resistant.
• Fifty (50) two-gallon pots available.

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

• This tree is of great value to wildlife; as a food source and nesting site for birds, and the bark provides a common food source for some mammals.
• Grows up to 50-70 ft. (15-21m) tall and 25-50 ft. (7-15m) wide.
• Moist, acidic, well-drained soils are best, with full sun to partial shade.
• Slow growing, typically living for 150 to 300+ years.
• Fifty Five (55) two-gallon pots available.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Vibrant magenta or pink blossoms pop out directly on the branches and trunk before leaves appear.
• Smaller tree suited for residential yards 
• Lush green leaves emerge after blooming and transition to a soft golden-yellow in the fall.
• Important early food source for pollinators
• Fifty Five (55) two-gallon pots available.

Tree Pick-up Details for Friday, October 2

Trees will be available for pick-up only near the mulch bin at the City of Brantford Parks Office located at 1 Sherwood Drive, on Friday, October 2, 2026 between 9.00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

To help with traffic flow, please enter near Oak Street and follow the Free Tree Giveaway signs. This is a drive through event. Please do not exit the vehicle or park. A staff member will load the tree into your car for you.

Tree Pick-up Details for Saturday, October 3

Free trees can be picked up on Saturday, October 3, 2026 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Cockshutt Park located at 1 Sherwood Drive. To help with traffic flow and expedite pick-up time, drivers must enter near Oak Street and follow the Free Tree Giveaway signs. This is a drive through event.  Please do not exit the vehicle or park. A staff member will load the tree into your car for you.

If you have mobility restrictions, please contact us at 519-759-4150 ext. 5766 or forestry@brantford.ca to make arrangements.

Planting and caring for your tree

Registrant will be responsible for planting and caring for their tree; trees will not be planted by City staff.

Trees must be planted on a residential property in Brantford. Please ensure that the area you plant the tree has enough room for it grow to its full size. Trees are not to be installed on City property.

Share your tree photos

Please share pictures of your new tree and pictures of you planting it by tagging the City of Brantford on social media and using the hashtags #BrantfordClimateAction #FreeTrees. Let’s get excited about trees, Brantford!