Each spring (March to May) and fall (September to December), TreePhilly works with community groups across Philadelphia to distribute free yard trees through our Community Yard Tree Giveaway Program. Community groups, in collaboration with TreePhilly, host region specific giveaways reserved for “priority areas”. These zones are designated by zip codes, and are areas in the city that have the highest temperatures on average.
Yard trees provided through this program must be planted in the ground on private property in Philadelphia. Yard trees may not be planted in a container or in the sidewalk or public right-of-way.
If you are looking to plant a tree in the sidewalk or right-of-way, learn about getting a street tree.
If you are a resident of Philadelphia and want a free tree for your yard, subscribe to TreePhilly’s newsletter and be notified when registration opens for the giveaways in spring and fall!
Registration for trees is organized by community partners. Registration opens approximately one month to two weeks prior to the giveaway event, though exact timing is up to the partner. Once you have registered for a tree, you can pick it up at the community giveaway event. Community partners also generally accept walk-ins at the end of each event to pick up left-over trees, though we strongly encourage registration.
TreePhilly staff will be on hand at the event to give tips on how to plant and care for your new tree. Registration and tree walk-ins continue only while supplies last.
TreePhilly provides free yard tree delivery and planting for Philadelphia residents with limited mobility, who are physically unable to plant their tree. If you would like to utilize this service, select the “assisted planting” option at the bottom of the yard tree request form.
We offer about 10 -12 different species each season
, including large shade trees, fruit trees, and flowering trees.
Go to our Meet The Trees icon on this website’s homepage, follow our social media or connect with your local Community Partner to find out which trees are available.
Upon pick-up, trees will be in 5 gallon buckets and will be from 2 feet to 10 feet tall. Trees will fit in a car, truck, grocery cart, or even on your bike! Smaller trees can even be taken on the bus, train, or trolley!
When choosing a species, consider the available space in your yard for roots and branches as well as how much sun your yard gets each day. Consider the maintenance needs of each species; some grow well with little maintenance, while others (particularly fruit trees) require advanced pruning and care to thrive. Visit our yard tree planting and care page for more information!
We offer tree planting and care demonstrations at each giveaway event. We will also send you home with a free bag of mulch from the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center and educational materials that will help you properly plant and care for your tree. You can get a head start by checking out the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s great Tree Tenders Video Library here..
If you do not have yard, you can still get a street tree.
Additionally, you may be able to make a yard! If your yard is paved or concrete and you have nowhere to plant a tree, apply for the Philadelphia Water Department’s Rain Check program. This cost-sharing program helps Philadelphia property owners to make stormwater management improvements to their properties. This includes concrete removal and porous paver installation!
Philadelphia residents are welcome to purchase yard trees to plant on their private property if trees aren’t available.
The best time to plant trees is fall (October to early December) and spring (late March to early May). Fall is the best choice of these two options. Do not plant trees in the summer, as the high heat is dangerous for newly planted trees. Find out how to buy a yard tree below:
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation One Parkway Building, 10th Floor 1515 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 P: 215.683.0217 F: 215.683.0205 treephilly@phila.gov Phila.gov/programs/treephilly
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