Tree giveaway details

The trees that were given away were carefully selected to be suitable for Vancouver. If you are still interested in planting a tree in your yard, see the list below for some suggested species. 

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  Learn about this pilot program

  Location

  Residents of Sunset and Victoria-Fraserview were eligible to participate.

  This pilot focused on these two neighbourhoods as have low tree canopy compared to many other parts of the city. In these neighbourhoods, there are also a lot of private properties with yard space and soil volumes to plant trees.

  As this is a new initiative, we’re launching this as a pilot to test interest and will look to expand it next year if it’s a success.

  Number of trees available

  We offered 250 trees, with a limit of one tree per household.

  This pilot will help us understand the demand for planting trees in areas of the city that need it most, and learn about barriers that discourage residents from planting.

  Ensuring trees are free and available to these neighbourhoods also helps address historic inequities.

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  Review program requirements

  Eligibility

  To be eligible for the tree giveaway, you must:

  • Be a resident of Sunset or Victoria-Fraserview
  • Own the property or have permission from the property owner to plant a tree
  • Have a yard with enough space for the tree:
    • Small trees need an area of at least 9 square metres (3 metres by 3 metres)
    • Large trees need an area of at least 25 square metres (5 metres by 5 metres)

  Information icon Trees cannot be planted on boulevards or in pots. Businesses may be eligible if the tree can be planted in a soil volume large enough to support the tree.

  Considerations

  Before applying for a tree:

  • Check for underground utilities on your property or desired tree planting site by performing a BC One Call External website, opens in new tab.
  • Consider how planting a tree would affect above-ground wires, other trees, property foundations, and your neighbour’s property.
  • Consider how much time and physical capacity you have to look after your chosen tree. While trees can be fairly low maintenance, they need to be pruned, mulched, and cleared of leaves periodically.
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  Consider these trees for your yard

  Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Densata’)

  

  Type: Conifer

  Description: 

  Native to North America, the Black Hills Spruce gets its name from the Black Hills in South Dakota. A spire-like evergreen with a fine texture, this species is an attractive tree throughout the year. Tall and stately with bluish-green needles, this slow-growing spruce has dense branches that act as an excellent windbreaker. This tree is also a key provider of food for many migratory birds.

  Needs:

  • A space 40 feet high and 15 feet wide with nothing overhead
  • Full to partial sun
  • Moist, well-drained soil

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  Autumn Gold Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)

  

  Type: Shade

  Description:

  Known for its 290 million-year-old ancestors, Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a true “living fossil” that is native to the forests of China. Resilient and refined, this tree has stood the test of time owing to its ability to thrive in many different conditions. 

  With its distinctive gold leaves, this tree will glow in your garden on even the cloudiest of days. 

  Needs:

  • A space 50 feet high and 30 feet wide with nothing overhead
  • Full sun
  • Adaptable to a wide range of soils

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  Wisconsin Red Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

  

  Type: Shade

  Description:

  Native to eastern North America, this robust tree with its muscular-looking trunk and branches is often known as “Musclewood”. Strong by name and by nature, this tree is resistant to almost all pests and diseases. Its dark green leaves provide excellent shade and privacy through spring and summer, and turn a bright orange and red in fall. Its leaves drop in winter, bringing light into your yard for the darkest months of the year.  

  Needs:

  • A space 25 feet by 25 feet with nothing overhead
  • Part sun to part shade
  • Moist, well-drained soil

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  Desert King Fig (Ficus carica)

  

  Type: Fruit

  Description:

  The Desert King Fig is a classic garden tree and Mediterranean favorite. One of the best fig varieties for the Pacific Northwest, Desert Kings reliably produce abundant, yellowish-green figs with sweet and flavorful strawberry-colored flesh. As it ripens in midsummer, the Desert King is a great variety for gardeners in high, coastal environments, and other cool regions. Treat this tree well and you could harvest up to 10 to 15 pounds of fruit every year.

  Needs:

  • A space 25 feet by 35 feet with nothing overhead
  • Part sun to part shade
  • Moist, well-drained soil

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  Snowdance Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulate ‘Bailnce’)

  

  Type: Flowering

  Description:

  Displaying showy white flowers from a young age, the Snowdance Japanese Tree Lilac is an eye-catching addition to any landscape. 

  The creamy blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies while filling the air with a light floral fragrance. 

  Though this tree looks delicate, it is surprisingly resilient and can grow in a wide range of conditions. Take good care of this small tree to reap the benefits of its beautiful flowers all summer long. 
   

  Needs:

  • A space 20 feet by 15 feet with nothing overhead
  • Full sun
  • Moist, well-drained soil

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  Mount Royal Plum (Prunus domestica)

  

  Type: Fruit

  Description:

  A European classic, Mount Royal plums are one of the tastiest plums available in Vancouver and are perfect for eating fresh, processing, or drying. Harvested in late summer, the plums are freestone, blue-skinned, and have a firm, yellow flesh. This plum tree has a spreading canopy that is quite ornamental in appearance and bursts with cherry-like white flowers in spring.

  Needs:

  • A space 15 feet by 15 feet with nothing overhead
  • Full sun
  • Moist, well-drained soil