Branch out with a free tree this National Tree Day

Pick up a free tree this National Tree Day! The City of London is giving away more than 2,000 trees on Wednesday, September 23 for residents to plant at home.

This year, the tree giveaway will be held in the south end of London. Meet City staff at Westminster Drive near Colonel Talbot Road between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. to pick up your free tree.

“We are excited to once again celebrate National Tree Day with a tree giveaway for Londoners,” says Shawna Chambers, Director of Climate Change, Environment & Waste Management. “Each year, we give out more than 5,000 trees to Londoners – and our crews plant about 5,000 across the city. This helps us grow, maintain and protect our thriving urban forest.”

The City’s Urban Forest Strategy sets out a target of 34% tree canopy cover by 2065, and London is on track to meet that goal. Currently, London has over seven million trees, including about 1.8 million that are owned and maintained by the City. 

It is important to protect and maintain newly planted trees for the first year after they have been planted. Residents can find helpful tips and resources at london.ca/trees.

List of available trees (while supplies last):

• Sugar Maple
• Red Maple
• Tulip Tree
• Bitternut Hickory
• Blue Beech
• Redbud
• Serviceberry
• Canada Plum
• Pawpaw
• White Pine
• White Spruce
• Tamarack
• Black Gum
• Honeycrisp Apple 
• Bartlett Pear
• Romeo & Juliet Cherry
• Harovin Nova Nectarine 

In addition, each car will receive one free bag of Green Bin compost with their tree(s), while supplies last.

Getting there

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Above: Map of tree giveaway site, located on Westminster Drive.

Our tree giveaway will be set up on Westminster Drive near Colonel Talbot Road. 

Please also note that you will not be able to turn onto Westminster Drive from Wonderland Road South. This intersection will be closed.

The City is committed to providing accessible accommodations for residents. If you require an accommodation to obtain or plant your tree, please call 519-661-2489, extension 4457.

Additional events 

September 20 to 26 marks National Forest Week. In addition to the tree giveaway, check out the other celebrations taking place across the city:

• Learn how to build a mini forest in your backyard on Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. at Earl Nichols Arena (registration required)
• Guided nature walk at Medway Valley Heritage Forest on Wednesday, September 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (registration required)
• London Forest Fest on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westminster Ponds Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority