In celebration of National Tree Day, we offer Saanich residents a FREE tree to plant on your private property. Our 2026 giveaway registration will begin Wednesday, September 23rd.
Trees are handed out on National Tree Day on Saturday, November 7th , 2026. All species will be between 2'-3' (60 to 90 cm) tall in 5 or 7 gallon pots. Parks staff will be onsite to provide trees to pre-registered Saanich residents and provide tree planting and aftercare information. A pick up reminder email will go out to all pre-registered participants prior to the event.
Who qualifies for a FREE tree?
- Must be a Saanich resident
- One tree per household
- Trees are to be planted on private land not in municipal Parks or boulevard
- Giveaway trees are not to be counted as "replacement trees" for an active Tree Cutting Permit
How do I sign up for a FREE tree?
Starting Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 at 12:00AM, there will be a link to fill out a submission form for an application for a free tree. You will need the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your preferred 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices from the list below
Please note that applications will be on a first-come, first-served basis and we will be monitoring applications to indicate when species are sold out.
When and where will my tree be available for pickup?
Pick-up will be available on Saturday, November 7th, 2026 at Hyacinth Park from 9am to 12 noon, coinciding with Tree Appreciation Day. Details will be emailed prior to pick up.
What Tree Species can I select for my FREE tree?
- Black Hawthorn is a small tree native to British Columbia growing to about 8 meters (26’) that have white showy flowers in clusters in early spring, but they also don sharp thorns, about 3 cm long. Their leaves are thick and leathery and the black drupe fruit forms in the summer and provide food for birds in the winter. They grow best in full sun conditions.
- Shore Pine is an evergreen tree which grows to a height of 15 meters (49’) in a somewhat sprawling and irregular form. This native conifer grows along the Pacific Ocean shorelines. Shore Pine is highly adaptable to many soil conditions, wet or dry.
- Garry Oak is a slow growing native tree reaching up to 20 meters (65') at maturity, with an open spreading canopy. The acorns are consumed by local wildlife, and in undisturbed sites many native wildflowers can be found in their surrounding ecosystem. This is an extremely drought tolerant tree.
- Douglas Fir is one of our largest maturing conifers reaching soaring heights of up to 85 meters (278'). Douglas fir is tolerant of a wide range of soil type, exposure and elevation. The dark green foliage of the Douglas fir acts as the steady and consistent back drop for much of Vancouver Island and plays an essential ecology supporting role in our forests and landscapes. Many animals rely on Douglas-fir seeds and the tree provides habitat for many native birds.
- Pacific Serviceberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing 7 meters (23'). White flowers in the early spring give way to dark purple pomme fruits in summer. These berries are enjoyed by both wildlife and people, and the fruits can be eaten fresh or dried. They adapt well, but heavy clay and wet soils should be avoided.
- Pacific Crab Apple is a small tree growing to 12 meters (39') tall. Spring blooms have an apple-blossom scent and appear in clusters in the early season. Pacific crab apple grows along the British Columbia coast and do best in areas with moist soils.
