Annual tree giveaway in Oshawa returns next month

Oshawa residents have a chance at a free tree for their property and they don’t have to cut it down with a herring to get it, thanks to the City’s Environmental Advisory Committee.

Registration is required to receive one free tree – with limited quantities it’s first come, first served – with the deadline to get on the list noon on September 2.

Three species are available for selection, with the goal of the annual program the expansion of Oshawa’s tree canopy:

• White Pine – a native tree species found throughout Ontario and eastern Canada, except for the far north arctic areas.
• Sugar Maple – the national tree of Canada, which is a large deciduous tree with yellowish-green leaves.
• Burr Oak – the most common oak species in Ontario, it grows across southern Ontario and along the borders with Minnesota and Manitoba in northwestern Ontario.

Registrants must be available to pick-up their tree the morning of Saturday, September 14, or name the person making the pick-up for them during the registration process.

While the online registration form will be open for several days, trees will be distributed in order of registration. After registration closes, all registrants will be notified of the status of their submission via email or phone (depending on the contact information provided) by September 6. During tree pick-up, registrants are asked to remain in the car and open their vehicle trunk for the attendant to load the tree.

The event will run rain or shine.

To register, complete the online form and to learn more about environmental initiatives and the tree canopy at the City of Oshawa visit Oshawa.ca/Environment and Oshawa.ca/trees.