Oshawa residents and property owners can register to receive a free native tree this fall as the city’s annual tree giveaway returns in September.
The Oshawa free tree program is organized by the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee and is intended to help expand the city’s urban tree canopy.
Registration is currently open, but quantities are limited and trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Successful applicants will receive one tree for pickup on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 12.
Three free tree species available in Oshawa
Residents registering for the giveaway can select from three species.
They are:
- White Pine
- Sugar Maple
- Burr Oak
All three were selected as native species suitable for the region.
White Pine is native throughout much of Ontario and eastern Canada, while Sugar Maple is Canada’s national tree and is known for its distinctive leaves and fall colour.
Burr Oak is among Ontario’s widespread native oak species and can grow into a substantial shade tree.
The supplied 2026 program information says the Environmental Advisory Committee also considered feedback from previous participants when selecting the trees.
How to register for an Oshawa free tree
Residents must complete the City’s online registration form to participate.
Only one tree is available per successful registration, and the City emphasizes that supplies are very limited.
Because trees are assigned according to registration order, anyone interested in participating should apply as early as possible rather than waiting until closer to the pickup date.
The City says all registrants will be informed of their application status by Friday, Sept. 4.
Anyone unable to personally collect their tree on Sept. 12 can identify another person to pick it up on their behalf during registration.
Tree pickup takes place Sept. 12
Successful participants must be available for pickup during the morning of Saturday, Sept. 12.
The event will proceed rain or shine.
During pickup, residents will be asked to remain inside their vehicles and open their trunks so an attendant can place the tree inside.
The source report says selected participants will receive the precise pickup details by email and will also receive information about planting and caring for their new tree.
Oshawa has more than 43,000 street trees
The giveaway forms part of a broader effort to protect and expand Oshawa’s urban forest.
The City currently reports more than 43,000 street trees along with approximately 560 hectares of woodlot in parks and other public spaces.
Together, those public trees and wooded areas have an estimated replacement value of about $56 million.
Oshawa also maintains a Tree Equity Index designed to identify neighbourhoods where additional tree planting and canopy improvements should be prioritized.
The index considers factors including existing tree cover, population density and impervious surfaces. Neighbourhoods receive scores from zero to 100, with higher scores indicating greater priority for tree-equity improvements.
Committee promotes Oshawa’s natural environment
The Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee has 11 members, including 10 community representatives and one member of council.
Its mandate includes advising and educating council, City staff and residents on protecting, restoring and improving Oshawa’s natural and built environments.
For residents interested in the Oshawa free tree giveaway, registration is open now while supplies remain.
With only a limited number of trees available, the City recommends registering early ahead of the Sept. 12 pickup.
