Free Tree Giveaway
To encourage tree planting in our city, we’re giving away free trees to Cambridge residents on Saturday, April 26th 2025 at Galt Arena Gardens from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Complete the form to select your tree!
Five native tree species are available to choose from, while supplies last. Each are approximately one metre tall.
Plant a tree on your property to improve air quality, fight climate change and increase property value.
Rules and eligibility
- Must be a resident of the City of Cambridge
- One (1) tree per address and per person, while supplies last, if any address is registered for more than one tree, multiple orders will be cancelled
- Tree must be planted on private property (we suggest side or backyard)
- Residents are responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining the tree
- Call or click before you dig - OntarioOneCall.ca
There are three trees to choose from:
| Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) |
Description
- Large, moderate-growing, deciduous shade tree
- Gets it's name from its shaggy bark
- Seeds are a source of food for many animals
- Up to 30 metre height/trunk reaches 30 to 80 cm in diameter
- Prefers moist soil, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils
- Native to Southern Ontario
Where to Plant
- Large tree for backyard planting with ample space
- Grows best in sun but can tolerate some shade
- Plant at least 10 metres from a building or other tree
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| Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) |
Description
- Medium, moderate to fast-growing, deciduous tree
- Bright yellowish, orange fall foliage
- Attractive bark and winter interest
- Up to 25 metre height
- Tolerates a variety of soil moisture levels
- Needs full sun
Where to Plant
- Medium tree for front or backyard planting
- Ideal for open areas or as a specimen tree
- Plant at least 5 metres from a building or other trees
- Plant in full sun
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| Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) |
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Description
- Medium, slow-growing, deciduous tree
- Bright yellow to orange to scarlet to purple fall foliage, one of the most beautiful fall trees
- Black gum fruits are a good food source for many birds and mammals, flowers attract bees
- Up to 20 metre height
- Grows best in moist, well-drained soils
- Tolerates full to partial sun
Where to Plant
- Medium tree for front or backyard planting
- Grows best in loamy, slightly acidic soils, but is tolerant of clay, gravel and sand
- Plant at least 5 metres from a building or other tree
- Plant in full or partial sun
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| Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) |
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Description
- Small, moderate-growing, deciduous tree
- Foliage emerges as reddish purple, changing to green, to yellow in the fall
- Showy spring flowers
- Up to 10 metre height
- Tolerant of most soil types, except wet soils
- Tolerates full sun to partial shade
Where to Plant
- Small tree for front or backyard planting
- Adaptable to most soils and can tolerate slightly acidic soils, but does not tolerate clay
- Can be planted as a single specimen or in groups
- Plant at least 5 metres from a building or other tree
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
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Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
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Description
- Large, slow-growing, deciduous tree
- Bright yellow to orange fall foliage
- Food source for many mammals
- Up to 35 metre height
- Grows best in moist soils
- Tolerates shade but grows better in full sun
Where to Plant
- Large shade tree for backyard planting
- Grows best in deep, rich and well-drained soils
- Plant at least 10 metres from a building or other tree
- Plant in full sun or partial shade
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Pick up information
If you have registered for a tree and are a Cambridge resident, you can pick it up:
Date: Saturday, April 26th 2025
Location: Galt Arena Gardens, 98 Shade St, Cambridge
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Rain or shine). This is a drive-thru pick up.
Note: Please bring proof or your name and address to verify your tree selection at pick up.
