Looking to score some free trees? There are actually quite a few great ways to get them — and some of these are really amazing programs worth knowing about!
Arbor Day Foundation
One of the most well known and accessible options out there. Make a minimum donation of around $12–$20 to become a member and you’ll receive 10 bare-root tree seedlings shipped directly to your door at the optimal planting time for your specific hardiness zone.
You can choose from a variety of tree types depending on your region. The trees arrive as small whips but establish quickly when planted correctly. A fantastic deal for the price and a great way to get a head start on a backyard orchard or windbreak.
Visit arborday.org to get started.
Neighborhood Forest
This program has a really sweet mission — getting free trees into the hands of kids and schools to foster a love of nature and environmental stewardship from a young age. If you have children or work with a school or youth program this is a wonderful resource.
Trees are distributed during specific campaigns so keep an eye on their site for availability and sign up early as they tend to go fast. A great way to get kids involved in planting and caring for something that will grow with them for years.
Check them out at neighborhoodforest.org.
Subaru/Arbor Day Foundation Partnership
Did you know your local Subaru dealership might be giving away free trees? Through their partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, participating Subaru retailers offer free regionally appropriate trees to the community during specific campaign periods — no purchase necessary!
Trees are selected to thrive in your local climate so you don’t have to worry about planting something that won’t survive your winters or summers. Worth calling your local Subaru dealer to ask if they’re participating — you might walk away with a free tree and not even have to buy a car!
Community Greening — South Florida
If you’re in South Florida this one is a gem. Community Greening hosts free tree giveaway events throughout the region where residents can show up and pick up native and fruit trees for their own property — completely free.
Their mission is to boost urban canopy cover and they focus on providing trees that are well suited to the South Florida climate. Native trees, tropical fruit trees, and shade trees are regularly available. Follow them on social media so you don’t miss upcoming events as they tend to draw crowds and trees go quickly.
A fantastic resource for anyone in the Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach area!
US Forest Service Plant-A-Tree Program
This one works a little differently — rather than receiving a tree yourself, your donation goes toward reforestation projects on public lands across the country. It’s a great option if you don’t have space to plant but still want to contribute to increasing tree canopy on a larger scale.
Donations of any size are accepted and go directly toward planting efforts in national forests and other public lands. A wonderful gift idea too!
What to Expect When Your Trees Arrive
Most free trees come as bare-root saplings — meaning they arrive without any soil, just as small whips or seedlings in their first or second year of growth. Don’t let that intimidate you! Bare-root trees actually establish really well when planted correctly.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Plant them as soon as possible after they arrive — don’t let the roots dry out
- Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting
- Choose a location with enough space for the tree to reach its full mature size
- Water consistently for the first season while the roots establish
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect young roots
Extra Tips for Scoring Free Trees
- Keep an eye on local Earth Day events at schools, libraries, and government environmental departments — many host in-person tree giveaways that don’t get a lot of publicity
- Check your local city or county website — many municipalities have urban forestry programs that give away free trees to residents
- Facebook groups and Nextdoor are great places to find neighbors giving away tree seedlings or saplings
- Sign up for email lists with these organizations so you’re the first to know when new giveaways go live — they fill up fast!
