2026 Tree Giveaway

Norfolk County is excited to launch the 2026 Tree Giveaway in celebration of Earth Week. 

Residents can enter for a chance to receive one free native tree to plant and enjoy on their property. A total of 370 trees are available through a random draw, giving all residents a fair opportunity to participate. 

There is a limit of one tree per property/address.

About the tree giveaway

Important dates

  • Contest opens: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  • Contest closes: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
  • Tree pickup: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Quantity available: 50 
Container size: 3 gallons
Height at pickup: approximately 175–200 cm

  • Fast‑growing tree with bright red fall colour 
  • Adapts well to a wide range of soil conditions 
  • Provides excellent shade and attracts wildlife

Canada Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Quantity available: 50 
Container size: 2 gallons
Height at pickup: approximately 150–175 cm

  • One of the first native trees to flower in spring
  • Produces edible berries for birds and people
  • Offers four‑season visual interest

White birch (Betula papyrifera)

Quantity available: 30 
Container size: 2 gallons
Height at pickup: approximately 150–175 cm

  • Distinctive white bark that peels naturally 
  • Grows well in cooler climates 
  • Adds natural beauty and character to landscapes

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Quantity available: 50 
Container size: 2 gallons
Height at pickup: approximately 125–150 cm

  • Pink‑purple flowers in early spring 
  • Smaller tree suited for residential yards 
  • Important early food source for pollinators 

Eastern flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)

Quantity available: 50 
Container size: 1 gallon 
Height at pickup: approximately 100–125 cm

  • Showy white spring blooms 
  • Red berries that attract birds in fall 
  • Native tree with year‑round ornamental value

Tulip‑tree (Liriodendron tulipifera

Quantity available: 20 
Container size: 2 gallons 
Height at pickup: approximately 150–175 cm 

  • Tall, fast‑growing tree best suited for larger properties 
  • Distinctive tulip‑shaped flowers 
  • Bright yellow fall colour 

Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica

Quantity available: 20 
Container size: 2 gallons 
Height at pickup: approximately 100–125 cm 

  • Strong structure with good wind resistance 
  • Outstanding red and purple fall colours 
  • Supports birds and other wildlife

Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis

Quantity available: 50 
Container size: 2 gallons
Height at pickup: approximately 175–200 cm 

  • Large native shade tree with peeling, patterned bark 
  • Fast‑growing and long‑lived 
  • Best suited for properties with more space 

Black cherry (Prunus serotina

Quantity available: 40 
Container size: 2 gallons
Height at pickup: approximately 125–150 cm 

  • Fragrant white spring flowers 
  • Produces fruit enjoyed by birds and wildlife 
  • Grows well in a variety of soil conditions 

To enter for a chance to receive a free tree, participants must:

  • Be a Norfolk County resident
  • Commit to planting the tree on private property within Norfolk County
  • Have permission from the property owner, if applicable
  • Be able to pick up the tree on Saturday, May 2, 2026

  • Trees will be distributed through a lottery‑style draw. 
  • When registering, residents will be asked to select their top three tree choices. Choosing more than one species improves the chance of receiving a tree. 
  • Tree assignments will be based on availability. Only one tree per household will be provided. 
  • Successful applicants will be notified by email after the draw. 

  • Before digging, residents must contact Ontario One Call to locate underground utilities. 
  • This free service helps prevent damage and keeps everyone safe. 
  • Visit OntarioOneCall.ca before planting.

Trees provide long‑term benefits for residents, neighbourhoods, and the environment. They:

  • Provide shade and help cool homes and yards 
  • Absorb rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding 
  • Improve air quality and help reduce climate change impacts 
  • Support birds, insects, and other wildlife 
  • Improve neighbourhoods and increase property values 

Protecting and growing Norfolk County’s tree canopy helps build a healthier, more climate‑resilient community. 

Contest rules

View full contest rules for the tree giveaway. Successful applicants will be contacted by email.

Questions? Contact us

If you have any questions about the tree giveaway, please email communications@norfolkcounty.ca.

 

Contact Us

ServiceNorfolk

50 Colborne Street South
Simcoe, Ontario
N3Y 4H3

Phone: 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0

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