Gardens & Trees
Tree Giveaway Program
Contact Us
For more information
Call 905-546-2489 or
Email [email protected]
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Gardens & Trees
Tree Giveaway Program
A variety of native tree and shrub species being given away. Pre-register and pick-up your tree or shrub at one of the pick-up locations:
Location: Bayfront Park
Time: 8 am until 12 pm
Date(s): April 26, May 10, May 31 & June 7, 2025
Register Now
OR
Location: Mohawk College – Parking Lot P1
Time: 8 am until 12 pm
Date(s): May 3 & May 24, 2025
Register Now
The City of Hamilton annually gives native shade trees or shrubs to residents to plant on their private property. You need to be a resident of the City of Hamilton to qualify, and you must plant the tree on your private property located in the City of Hamilton, preferably at the side or back of your home. Trees are approximately 1 metre tall.
Planting a native tree on your property improves air quality, fights climate change, and increases property value.
Looking for a tree to be planted in your boulevard? Apply for a street tree through our Street Tree Planting Program
Proudly supported by Alectra
Giveaway Details
- One (1) tree per property. Pre-registration required.
- Must present driver’s license or property tax bill.
- Native shade trees and shrubs are available.
- Pick up your tree. Rain or shine.
- Homeowner is responsible to plant, water and maintain the private tree.
- Call or click before you dig - OntarioOneCall.ca
Native Tree Species Available
Shade Trees are a larger trees normally reaching a height above 12m. Its primary role is to provide shade. Shade trees contribute the most to the city’s tree canopy.
Chinquapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are an early season food source for insects
- Acorns are a food source for birds and mammals
- Provides nesting habitat and shelter
- Host plant for hundreds of insect species
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Dry to medium
- Full sun, tolerates part sun
Red Maple
Acer Rubrum
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Keys and shoots are a food source for wildlife
- Brilliant red leaves in the Fall
Where to Plant
- Tolerates most types of soil including clay, sandy, and loamy
- Best in wet soils, but tolerates some drought
- Prefers full sun
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are an early season food source for insects
- Seeds are a food source for mammals; provides nesting habitat and shelter
- Host plant for many insect species.
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Dry to medium moisture
- Grows best in full sun but tolerates shade
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are a food source for insects and hummingbirds
- Seeds are a food source for mammals; provides nesting habitat and shelter
- Host plant for several insect species
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Medium moisture
- Full sun, tolerates part sun
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Tree and planting Information
- Conifer
- Cones are a food source for birds and small mammals; provide nesting habitat and shelter.
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Sand or sandy loam prefered
- Medium moisture
- Full or part sun
Kentucky Coffee
Gymnocladus dioicus
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Provides nesting habitat and shelter
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Medium moisture
- Full sun
Blue Beech
Carpinus caroliniana
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are an early season food source for insects
- Fruits are a food source for birds and small mammals, provides shelter
- Host plant for several insect species
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Medium moisture
- Full sun, part sun, or shade
- Prefers moist, full shade conditions
Service Berry
Amelanchier laevis
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are an early season food source for insects
- Fruits are a food source for birds and small mammals
- Provides nesting habitat and shelter
- Host plant for several insect species
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Prefers moist loams
- Dry to medium moisture
- Full or part sun
Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are a food source for insects and hummingbirds
- Seeds are a food source for birds; provides shelter
- Host plant for several insect species
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Prefers dry, sandy soil
- Dry to medium moisture
- Full sun, part sun or shade
American Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Tree and planting Information
- Deciduous
- Flowers are a food source for late season moths
- Seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals
- Provides habitat and shelter
- Host plant for many insect species
Where to Plant
- Clay tolerant
- Medium moisture
- Full sun, part sun, or shade
Do I need to arrive at 8 am to get the tree I want?
No. You have pre-registered for a tree species and one will be reserved for you to pick up any time between 8 am and 12 noon on the pick-up day.
I did not pre-register for a tree, can I walk up on pick-up day?
No. Each tree has been reserved and there will be no extra trees available.
Can I send someone to pick up the tree on my behalf?
Yes. You may send a member of your household to pick up the tree on your behalf. They will need the confirmation email from Eventbrite and proof of residence (ex. drivers license, property tax bill).
Can I change the tree species I want when I get to the pick-up?
No. Each tree has been reserved and there will be no extra trees available. You must take the tree species you pre-registered for.
I am no longer able to pick up my tree, what do I do?
Please cancel your ticket through Eventbrite. The registration will be cancelled and the tree can then be reserved by someone else.
I do not live in Hamilton, can I still get a tree?
No. The free tree giveaway is restricted to residents of Hamilton and the tree must be planted on private property within the City of Hamilton.
I forgot to pick up my tree, how can I get it?
Unfortunately if you do not pick up your tree on your pick-up day, your ticket will been cancelled and will no longer be valid. Please register for future Free Tree Giveaway dates available
How do I plant my tree?
Information on how to plant and care for your tree will be included in the confirmation email sent after you pre-register.
How do I change or cancel my order?
In your confirmation email, click "Go to My Tickets" and select "Cancel Order." If you would like to change your selected tree species prior to registration closing you will need to cancel your order and place a new one.
Can I get a tree if I live in a condo?
Yes, if you have a driver’s license or property tax bill indicating you reside in Hamilton you qualify to register for the Free Tree Giveaway.
I have additional questions, who can I contact?
Contact the Call Centre 905-546-2489 or email [email protected] if you have additional questions.
Date modified