Ready to make your yard a little happier?
I have fantastic news for you – this fall, you have the chance to add some native Ohio greenery to your yard or community garden—a 4-6 foot tree, completely free. It’s a simple way to bring nature right to your neighborhood.
The Columbus Free Trees Initiative is here, and it’s your chance to make your surroundings greener and more vibrant.
Why Trees Matter
Before we dive into the details of how you can get your hands on these fabulous trees, let’s talk about why they’re so important. Urban tree canopies play a vital role in enhancing our environment. They help reduce air pollution, provide shade and cooling, and promote biodiversity.
Trees are like nature’s air purifiers, absorbing harmful carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen into the air. Plus, they beautify our neighborhoods, making them more pleasant places to live.
In Columbus, only 22 percent of the city is covered by trees. The Urban Forestry Master Plan for Columbus hopes to reach citywide tree canopy cover of 40 percent, and every single tree makes a difference.

The Columbus Free Trees Initiative
Thanks to the partnership between the City of Columbus, The Columbus Foundation, and the community, you can now be a part of this green movement. The project’s mission is clear: create an equitable tree canopy in Central Ohio. This initiative aims to ensure that every neighborhood, regardless of its location or income level, can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, greener environment.
Getting Your Free Tree
Getting your free tree is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how it works:
Register: Head over to greencbus.org/freetrees2023 and sign up. It’s quick and straightforward.
Pick-Up: Mark your calendar and make your way to your designated pick up station. Don’t worry about lifting a finger; friendly volunteers will load your tree for you without you even getting out of your car.
Responsibility: Once you receive your tree, you have a few responsibilities to keep in mind. You must plant it within the city limits of Columbus, ensure it’s well-watered and maintained, and plant it in your yard or community garden (not along streets or in city parks).
Here are some crucial details to keep in mind:

Tree Options
You’ll have a variety of native Ohio trees to choose from, including Northern Red Oak, Hackberry, Red Maple, River Birch, Sycamore, and Tulip trees. Each of these species has its unique characteristics, so take some time to explore them at greencbus.org to select the one that best suits your preferences and location.
There will be three locations giving away trees:
- East Side: September 29, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- West Side: October 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- South Side: October 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
So, Columbus, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to bring more greenery into your life and contribute to a more environmentally friendly city. Register now and let’s make Columbus greener, one tree at a time!
Featured image via Green Columbus Facebook