Free trees

Free Trees Scheme - 2024

We are giving away free trees to residents of the borough again this winter!

Each household and community organisation in the borough can apply for up to two trees.

You can apply for your trees using our short online form

There is a choice of 11 species available, each of which offer something different to a garden and require different levels of maintenance. The trees are currently all whips of around two years old, and approximately 40cm - 60cm high.

Please bring a bag to collect your trees. The holly and Scots pine will be in a container.

Trees are available to collect from Brocks Hill Country Park on:

• Monday 9 December from 8am - 12pm

• Wednesday 11 December from 2pm - 6pm

• Friday 13 December from 10am - 2pm

Applications will close when all trees have been allocated, and some species may become unavailable after supplies have been issued on a first come, first served basis.

About the trees

Field maple (Acer campestre)

• Acer campestre is a useful small to medium sized tree which is native to England. A host to many insect species and particularly good for areas of air pollution.
• As a robust tree they are quite readily pruned. This tree is often seen grown as an individual tree and used in hedges.
• The mature height is typically 7m - 12m, and trees can be rather broad when mature.

Silver birch (Betula pendula)

• A striking, medium-sized deciduous tree.
• Will typically grow to 15m - 20m in height.
• The white bark sheds layers tissue paper and becomes black and rugged at the base.

Hazel (Corylus avellana)

• Hazel is a multistemmed tree which is often coppiced, but left to grow trees can reach a height of 12m.
• The yellow catkins appear before the leaves and hang in clusters from mid-February.
• The nuts are edible.

Spindle(Euonymus europaeus)

• A shrub or small tree that is often under planted, this native is notable for its fine autumn colour and small vivid pink and orange fruits.
• Euonymus europaeus is the perfect shrub/small tree to plant as a focal point in the front garden, where its beauty can be appreciated. but it also works well in a winter border, underplanted with spring flowers.
• The mature height is typically around 4m, but potentially up to 9m.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

• A large, evergreen tree with dark, glossy and unusually strong and spiny leaves.
• Small white flowers in the spring are followed by bright red berries on pollinated female plants.
• Fruit are ornamental and not to be eaten.
• Can reach a height of 12m, and readily pruned.

Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

• One of the ancestors of the cultivated apple.
• Mature trees can up to 10m in height.
• The fruits are edible, but have a sharp flavour.

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

• A native tree with pretty clusters of delicate white flowers developing into clusters of bright red berries in autumn.
• Highly valued by pollinators, moths, butterflies and birds.
• The rowan is not a fussy tree and will grow in almost any soil conditions and in sunny and partially shaded locations.
• The mature height is around 10m.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

• An evergreen conifer native to northern Europe.
• Mature trees can be up to 25m in hieght and live for up to 700 years.
• The bark is a scaly orange-brown.

Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)

• One of the prettiest native trees, with a beautiful blossom.
• Single white flowers are produced in spring and its green leaves turn gold through to red in the autumn.
• The mature height is 7m - 14m.

Common Oak (Quercus robur)

• A large, deciduous tree growing from to 20m–40m tall.
• This species grows and matures to form a broad and spreading crown.
• Ample space is recommended to be provided.

Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana)

• A vigorous, deciduous shrub to about 5m in height.
• With finely toothed, broadly oval grey-green leaves up to 12cm long.
• Domed clusters of small white flowers in late spring, followed by oval to rounded red fruits which ripen to black.

Not only does tree-planting have a positive ecological impact, creating a more pleasant local environment and attracting birds and other wildlife, it also has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Planting and maintaining trees can boost mental health and be a form of light exercise, as well creating more relaxing gardens and outdoor spaces.