Since 2019, Green Columbus has given away free native trees to grow Columbus's urban forest. This is our eighth annual giveaway. Residents can reserve and pick up a free tree, 4 to 6 feet tall, at three sites across the city: Linden, the South Side, and Franklinton.

Our trees are grown at our Linden nursery, tended by an ISA-certified arborist and volunteers. You can choose from five native Ohio species: red maple, red oak, black cherry, sycamore, and tulip poplar. The giveaway is part of our tree nursery campaign with American Forests, in partnership with the City of Columbus and The Columbus Foundation.

Columbus's tree canopy covers 22% of the city, with a goal of 40% by 2050. Because 70% of the urban forest grows on private property, backyard plantings are the most effective way residents can grow it.

Volunteer with us

We need volunteers to help at Linden giveaway. As residents arrive to pick up their reserved trees, volunteers sort, move, and load trees into vehicles. The trees are 4 to 6 feet tall and can generally be carried by one person.

Tasks include moving trees around the distribution site, organizing trees for pickup, and helping residents safely load their trees.

Why we host tree giveaways

Trees clean the air, shade streets, and absorb heavy rain to reduce flooding. Children in neighborhoods with more tree cover tend to have lower rates of asthma. Yet the neighborhoods facing the most extreme heat often have the fewest trees. We host these giveaways to help close that gap.