Tree Giveaway Scheme

This winter, Chelmsford City Council is once again offering 1,200 free trees to residents. 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 5th October and 5th 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.

Scots Pine

Scots Pine

Ultimate Height - 12+m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 8+m when mature. Time to Ultimate Height - 20-50 years. The Scots pine is a truly stunning tree. It is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. It is also our first conifer to be given away. Evidence indicates that Scots pine supports around 1,600 species, it also has been widely planted for timber. It is an incredibly hardy tree and can live for 700 years if conditions are perfect. If size is a concern then plant this tree in a pot and that will restrict the size the tree will grow.
Wild Service Tree

Wild Service Tree

Ultimate Height - 8m-12m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 4-8m when mature. Time to Ultimate Height - 20-50 years. Wild service tree is a rare UK native deciduous tree with brown bark and lobed leaves similar to maple leaves which turn a coppery red colour in autumn. The wild service tree is an ancient-woodland indicator. If you spot it while you're out exploring, it could be a sign you're standing in an ancient woodland habitat. If you are worried about the size grow the tree in a pot and it will limit the trees growth height.
Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry

Ultimate Height - 15-24m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 8m when mature. Time To Ultimate Height - 20-50 years.
Back by popular demand, the Wild Cherry is a beautiful native deciduous tree that brings year-round interest to any garden. In spring, it produces elegant clusters of fragrant white flowers, followed by small, glossy red-purple fruits that are enjoyed by wildlife. Its toothed, oval-shaped green leaves turn a vibrant yellow in autumn, providing seasonal colour before they fall. Wild Cherry has also given rise to many of the cultivated cherry varieties we know today.
Spindle

Spindle

Ultimate Height - 2.5-4m when mature. Ultimate Spread - 2.5-4m when mature. Time To Ultimate Height - 10-20 years. Spindle shines brightest in autumn when its leaves turn russet and its pink and orange fruits ripen, wildlife loves its leaves and fruit. In the past it was used to make ‘spindles’ for spinning and holding wool, as well as skewers, toothpicks, pegs and knitting needles. Today, spindle timber is used to make high-quality charcoal for artists. Just be aware that the leaves and berries are toxic to humans and pets.

Collection Locations

Compass Gardens Park

Thursday 26th November 2026
10am-2pm

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

Melbourne Park

Friday 27th November 2026
10am-2pm

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

Bell Meadow Park

Saturday 28th November 2026
9:30am – 1pm

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

Planting a tree

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!

Love Your Chelmsford
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Love Your Chelmsford
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.