Free tree giveaway for Chelmsford residents returns for 2025

Chelmsford City Council’s popular tree giveaway is back for its third year, offering residents the chance to claim one of 1,200 free trees to plant in their garden or outdoor space.

The scheme launches online today with four species on offer, including the soil-improving native Silver Birch and pollinator-friendly Crab Apple.

Claimed trees can be collected during National Tree Week in November.

The giveaway is part of the council’s ‘Space to Thrive’ campaign, an initiative to help combat the climate emergency by restoring nature and creating healthy habitats across the district. 

Helping nature to thrive, one tree at a time

Trees play an important part in keeping our local ecosystems healthy. As well as helping to mitigate climate change by capturing and storing carbon, they clean the air we breathe by filtering out pollution. Trees also provide safe habitats and an essential food supply for a variety of wildlife, helping to boost local biodiversity. 

Tree planting is part of the council’s ongoing greening programme which aims to significantly increase the amount of woodland and proportion of tree cover in Chelmsford. There were 16,846 native whips and approximately 190 mature trees planted in the Chelmsford district during the 2024/25 winter planting season.

The tree giveaway is a great way for residents to get involved in this programme. It doesn’t matter how big or small your outside space is – gardens, patios and balconies are all excellent homes for young trees.

Celebrating the third year of the scheme, Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, said:

“

“I’m delighted to see our Space to Thrive tree giveaway return this year. Chelmsford is trailblazing in its commitment to tackling climate change and restoring nature, and this initiative invites and empowers our residents to be part of that journey too. Planting a tree is one of the most effective ways to support biodiversity and create resilient green spaces.

“In your care, these young trees will thrive, providing vital habitats, food and shelter for wildlife - enriching our environment for years to come. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, everyone is welcome to apply for a free tree and help us on our collective journey towards a greener, healthier and more connected Chelmsford.”

Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford

How to take part

This year, there are 1,200 trees available in the giveaway, which is open to all Chelmsford residents. You can choose from four different tree species: Wayfaring Tree, Silver Birch, Crab Apple, and Whitebeam

The giveaway opens today, Monday 6 October 2025, and will stay open, whilst stock lasts, until Thursday 6 November 2025. 

To claim your tree, visit the Love Your Chelmsford website and complete the online form where you will be able to select the tree species you would like. There are 300 of each of the four tree species available and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

The giveaway is only available to residents served by Chelmsford City Council and limited to one tree per resident so as many people as possible can take part.

Pre-ordered trees will be available to collect in November as part of National Tree Week. Remember to bring your confirmation email, and proof of address, with you. The collection locations will be:

•    Compass Gardens, CM3 5GU (what3words: shunts.path.both) on Thursday 27 November 10am till 2pm. 

•    Melbourne Park, CM1 2EH (what3words: dream.hairspray.quibble) on Friday 28 November 10am till 2pm. 

•    Bell Meadow Park, CM2 OPD (what3words: sparkles.jingles.caravans) on Saturday 29th November 9.30am - 1pm 

Staff from the city council’s parks team will be available on the collection days to offer advice about caring for the trees.

The parks team can provide paper carrier bags for the trees, but residents are welcome to bring their own bags or container if preferred. The trees are two years old and approximately 40-60cm high.

You can choose from four different tree species: Wayfaring Tree, Silver Birch, Crab Apple, and Whitebeam.

About Space to Thrive

Space to Thrive is a district-wide initiative aimed at tackling the climate emergency by giving nature and wildlife the chance to thrive again. A key part of this work involves supporting habitat creation and managing 1,700 acres of grassland to help restore ecosystems and boost biodiversity. The council is focused on creating more wildlife-friendly areas and establishing nature corridors to support essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. These corridors are vital in allowing pollinators to move safely between habitats.

If you’d like to find out more about Space to Thrive, visit the Love Your Chelmsford website.