Free Tree Giveaway

The trees are now sold out! 

To encourage tree planting in the city, we’re giving away free trees to Cambridge residents on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Duncan McIntosh Arena from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Four 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 four trees to choose from:

Black Maple (Acer nigrum) 
 Description
  • Large, slow-growing, deciduous tree
  • Similar to Sugar maples but the leaves have three lobes whereas sugar maples have 5
  • bright yellow, orange and sometimes red fall foliage
  • Up to 35 metre height in maturity
  • A great food source and shelter for animals and insects

Where to Plant

  • Grow best in moist, well drained soils, but can also tolerate dry soils
  • Plant in full sun or light shade
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

Where to Plant

  • Medium tree for front or backyard planting
  • Ideal for open areas or as a specimen tree
  • Plant in full sun
 American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Description

  • Large, fast-growing, deciduous tree
  • Distinctive, patchwork bark that flakes off to reveal white and green coloured inner bark
  • Ball shaped clusters that mature into fruit (seeds)
  • Up to 35 metre height in maturity

Where to Plant

  • Sycamore trees need plenty of space to grow as they get tall and broad in maturity
  • Grow best in moist soils and tolerate seasonal flooding
  • Plant at least 10 metres from a building or other trees
  • Plant in full sun or partial shade
 Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Description

  • Small, slow-growing, deciduous tree
  • Maroon or deep reddish-purple fall foliage
  • Flowers attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies
  • Provides nesting habitat for birds as well

Where to Plant

  • Small tree for front or backyard planting
  • Up to 10 metre height in maturity
  • Grows best in evenly moist soils
  • Prefers partial shade to full sun

Pick up information

If you have registered for a tree and are a Cambridge resident, you can pick it up:

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Location: Duncan McIntosh Arena, 200 Christopher Drive, 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.