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Tree Giveaway Scheme

Chelmsford City Council has 1,200 trees to giveaway to residents this winter. It’s part of our Space to thrive campaign, which aims to lend a helping hand to the nature on our doorsteps and bring us joy in the process. Every part of the Chelmsford area has a role to play in creating corridors for wildlife and although your new tree may still be small, as soon as it’s planted it will become part of a bigger network of biodiversity across the district. Welcome to the Space to thrive community – we’d love to hear more about your tree, so please keep in touch and let us know how things are going!

How it works

Between 6th October and 6th November residents can complete an online form to select your tree and collection point (these can be seen below). Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive a confirmation email. You will need to show your confirmation email and proof of address to your chosen collection point on arrival.

We ask residents bring their own bags or container.
The scheme is only available to residents in the Chelmsford district
Only one tree per resident

Your new trees are two years old and approximately 40-60cm high. Treat them gently, as rough handling or being dropped can shock the roots, and it will take the trees longer to get established. When you get your trees home, store them somewhere cool, outside. Do not let the roots dry out or allow them to get frosted, so keep them covered. They should be planted within a couple of weeks of receiving them. If you need to store them for longer then give them a temporary home in a pot and remember to transplant them during the dormant season (Dec to March). Please seek permission from the landowner if you do not own your property. If you have a small garden or patio, you can put each in a large pot permanently. The size of the pot will determine how big the tree gets, as once the roots have filled the pot the tree will stop growing. If you put your pot over soil, the roots will grow down through holes at the bottom of the pot into the ground so do be careful!

For more information about how to care for or plant your tree please look at our general planting advice downloadable PDF.

Wayfaring Tree

Ultimate Height - 2.5-4m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 2.5-4m when mature. Time to Ultimate Height - 5-10 years. The wayfaring tree is a deciduous shrub with a history of practical use. Its flexible stems were once used to bind hay bales, and in parts of Europe, its straight-grained wood was crafted into arrows. The berries are a food source for birds, while nectar attracts insects like hoverflies. Several moth species rely on its leaves to feed their larvae. Although birds consume the berries, they are mildly toxic to humans and should not be eaten.

Silver Birch

Ultimate Height - 15m-20m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 8m when mature. Time to Ultimate Height - 20-50 years. Silver birch is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a light, airy canopy, drooping branches and white bark that peels like paper and darkens at the base over time. It supports over 300 insect species, including moth caterpillars and aphids that attract predators like ladybirds. Its tough, pale wood was traditionally used for furniture, tools, and even spools in the cotton industry. Despite its height, the tree has low water requirements and can grow well in a pot.

Crab Apple

Ultimate Height - 8-12m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 4-8m when mature. Time To Ultimate Height - 20-50 years. Crab apple is a small, rounded tree . Its bark is grey-brown and often gnarled with age. The tree supports wildlife—its leaves feed moth caterpillars, its spring flowers offer early nectar for bees, and its fruit is eaten by birds and mammals. Crab apples are also valued in orchards for their long flowering period, aiding pollination. Traditionally, the fruit was used in jellies and drinks.

Whitebeam

Ultimate Height - 8-12m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 4-8 when mature. Time To Ultimate Height - 20-50 years. Whitebeam is a compact, rounded deciduous tree with smooth grey bark and distinctive red shoots in sunlight. It produces insect-pollinated flowers and red berries that attract birds. Its leaves support various moth caterpillars, and its wood was traditionally used for fine joinery and mechanical parts.

Collection Locations

Compass Gardens Park

Thursday 27th November 2025
10am-2pm

South Woodham Ferrers – In the overflow car park
Chelmsford
CM3 5GU

Melbourne Park

Friday 28th November 2025
10am-2pm

Chelmsford – Located in the car park by the astro turf
Chelmsford
CM1 2EH

Bell Meadow Park

Saturday 29th November 2025
9:30am – 1pm

Chelmsford City Centre – Opposite M&S
Chelmsford
CM2 0PD

General planting advice:

If planting directly into the ground, check distance from your own and your neighbour’s property
Make sure your hole is big enough for all the roots to fit in comfortably
Once planted, press the soil down firmly around the stem, making sure the roots are fully covered but that all the stem is above the soil level
If the soil is dry, water the tree when you have planted it.

Tree planting and after care advice

Safe planting distances (or put the tree in a large pot!)

Remember your neighbour’s property too when you plant! Safe planting distances depend on the depth of your foundations and the type of soil. Shallow foundations e.g. for conservatories and clay soil require the greatest minimum planting distance, making sure the tree is as far from a building as it will eventually grow in height. If your foundations are deeper than 1m, or if you intend to prune the tree to restrict its height, you can plant closer to buildings than the NHBC’s recommended minimum distances.

OR as close as you want if you plant them in a large pot on a paved area!