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Tree Adoption

Experience the benefits of trees in your own landscape

A proud child and their mother adopting a tree that sits in a wheeled cart

Every fall and spring, Tree Pittsburgh’s Tree Adoption Program provides trees and shrubs at no cost for residents throughout Allegheny County.

Fall 2026 Tree Adoption Events

We are excited to host another season of Tree Adoption events in Allegheny County! These events are an important part of growing tree canopy, right in your own yard.

Please remember that these registrations fill up very quickly due to high demand! We also give many selected low-canopy communities early access to registration before we release them to the public. This is part of our work to ensure everyone has equal access to the benefits trees provide.

Even if an event is sold out, we always encourage you to come to the end of an event to pick up any trees that remain unclaimed.

We are excited to host another season of Tree Adoption events in Allegheny County! These events are an important part of growing tree canopy, right in your own yard.

Please remember that these registrations fill up very quickly due to high demand! We also give many selected low-canopy communities early access to registration before we release them to the public. This is part of our work to ensure everyone has equal access to the benefits trees provide.

Even if an event is sold out, we always encourage you to come to the end of an event to pick up any trees that remain unclaimed.

Fall 2026 Tree Species

See a brief description of available trees and shrubs below. Click here to see a more detailed description of each plant.

Please note that not every plant will be available at each event.

  • American hazelnut: full sun to partial shade, mature height 10–16 ft, mature spread 8–13 ft
  • Arrowwood viburnum (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 4-6 ft, mature spread 4-6 ft
  • Bald cypress: full sun, mature height 50-70 ft, mature spread 20-45 ft
  • Black birch: full sun to partial shade, mature height 40-75 ft, mature spread 35-40 ft
  • Black oak: full sun, mature height 50-60- ft, mature spread 50-60 ft
  • Blackgum: full sun to partial shade, mature height 30–50 ft, mature spread 20–30 ft
  • Blackhaw viburnum: full sun to partial shade, mature height 12-15 ft, mature spread 6-12 ft
  • Eastern redbud: full sun to partial shade, mature height 20-30 ft, mature spread 25-35 ft
  • Eastern white pine: full sun, mature height 50–80 ft, mature spread 20–40 ft
  • Elderberry (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 5-12 ft, mature spread 5-12 ft
  • Fringe tree: full sun, mature height 15-25 ft, mature spread 12-20 ft
  • Hackberry: full sun to partial shade, mature height 40-60 ft, mature spread 40-60 ft
  • Nannyberry (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 8-12 ft, mature spread 6-12 ft
  • Pagoda dogwood: full sun to partial shade, mature height 10-15 ft, mature spread 10-15 ft
  • Red chokeberry (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 5-18 ft, mature spread 3-6 ft
  • Red osier dogwood (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 6-8 ft, mature spread 6-8 ft
  • Saskatoon serviceberry: full sun to partial shade, mature height 3-18 ft, mature spread 6-10 ft
  • Steeplebush (shrub): full sun, mature height 2-4 ft, mature spread 3-5 ft
  • Sugar maple: full sun to partial shade, mature height 40-80 ft, mature spread 30-60 ft
  • Swamp white oak: full sun, mature height 50-60 ft, mature spread 50-60 ft
  • Sweetbay magnolia: full sun to partial shade, mature height 10–25 ft, mature spread 10–25 ft
  • Tulip popular: full sun to partial shade, mature height 60-70 ft, mature spread 35-50 ft
  • White oak: full sun, mature height 50-80 ft, mature spread 50-80 ft
  • Winterberry (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 5-8 ft, mature spread 5-8 ft
  • Witch hazel: full sun to partial shade, mature height 15-20 ft, mature spread 15-20 ft
  • Yellow birch: full sun to partial shade, mature height 30-45 ft, mature spread 30-45 ft
  • Yellowwood: full sun, mature height 30-50 ft, mature spread 40-55 ft

Tree Pittsburgh takes many factors into consideration when choosing what trees to offer at which adoption events every season. All adoption trees and shrubs are grown at our Heritage Nursery, and we consider what is available at that time of year and what trees grow well in our area. We grow native species as well as some non-native species that, with the changing climate as well as new pests and diseases, will also thrive here.

Direct Distribution Tree Adoption Opportunity

The form has closed for the Spring 2026 season and will reopen for the Fall 2026 season in late summer. If you have previously filled out the form, a member of the Tree Adoption team will review your response and reach out if you meet the requirements of the program.

Do you (or someone you know) own a property that is large enough for 10 or more trees? Property owners in one of these highlighted qualifying communities within Allegheny County are eligible to receive 10 or more trees to plant and care for on their property. If you are interested in adopting more than 10 trees for your property, please fill out this interest form and we will be in touch. Our regular Tree Adoption events are available for people interested in smaller quantities of trees, or those that do not live in a qualifying community.

Tree Adoption FAQs

How big are trees at the time of pickup?

Trees and shrubs are in 2‑gallon containers that measure 8 3/4” in diameter and 8 1/2” deep. All plants will fit in your vehicle.

How do I plant my tree?

Once you receive your tree(s), you need to know how to plant them! We’ve created a video and flyer to guide you through the process.

What species should I choose, and how do I know the right place to plant on my property?

This is an excellent (and important) question. When choosing a species and where to plant it, it’s important to consider a few factors so your tree will thrive for years to come! First, be sure to consider the available space in your yard for roots and branches as the tree matures. Second, it’s important to note if there are any overhead utility wires or underground utility pipes where you are considering planting the tree. Check out the Right Tree, Right Place guide from the Arbor Day Foundation for help in determining the best tree and planting location for you.

I want a flowering tree for my yard, but you always run out of those quickly. Why don’t you offer more?

This is a great opportunity for us to discuss the importance of biodiversity! Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat, or ecosystem. Tree biodiversity is important for many reasons. Different trees offer different benefits, like shade or fruit, and support different types of insects and birds.