
Tree Adoption Registration
Thank you so much for your interest. These registrations fill up very quickly due to high demand! We also give many targeted 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.
Add beauty to your landscape with trees from Tree Pittsburgh. We select those that are either native or proven hardy for our region. This year, we are offering shrubs as well as trees! There is a limit of three plants per household.
Trees and shrubs should be planted on private property where you have permission to plant. Trees may not be planted in the grass between the sidewalk and the road.
Tree Adoption Events — Fall 2023
Deer Lakes Park — Saturday, September 23 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.mREGISTRATION FULL- Veterans Shelter (Between the Lower and Middle Lake on Mahaffey Road)
Mahaffey Road
West Deer Township, PA 15084
- Veterans Shelter (Between the Lower and Middle Lake on Mahaffey Road)
- White Oak Park — Saturday, October 7 from 11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
- White Oak Park Office
3 Muse Lane
White Oak, PA 15131
- White Oak Park Office
Settlers Cabin Park — Saturday, October 28 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.REGISTRATION FULL- Wave Pool Parking Lot
635 Ridge Road
Robinson Township, PA 15205
- Wave Pool Parking Lot
Tree Pittsburgh — Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.mREGISTRATION FULL- 32 62nd Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
- 32 62nd Street
We don’t offer a waitlist for our adoption events. However, if you’re able to come at the end of an event, we may have trees remaining from people who do not pick up their trees. No registration required, just stop by!
Fall 2023 Tree Species
- American sycamore: full sun, mature height 75–100 ft
- Black cherry: full to partial sun, mature height 50–80 ft
- Blackgum: full to partial sun, mature height 30–50 ft
- Eastern redbud: full to partial sun, mature height 20–30 ft
- Gray dogwood (shrub): full to partial sun, mature height 10–15 ft
- Shadblow serviceberry: full to partial sun, mature height 25–30 ft
- Sweetbay magnolia: full to partial sun, mature height 10–35 ft
- Tulip poplar: full to partial sun, mature height 60–70 ft
- Virginia pine: full sun, mature height 15–40 ft
- Yellow buckeye: full to partial sun, mature height 50–75 ft
Tree Adoption FAQs
Trees and shrubs are in 2‑gallon containers, measuring 8 3/4” in diameter and 8 ½” deep. All plants will fit in your vehicle.
How do I plant my tree?
Once you receive your tree, you’ll need to know how to plant it! We’ve created a video and a flyer to guide you through planting your tree.
What species should I choose and how do I know the right place to plant on my property?
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.
How does Tree Pittsburgh choose what tree species to offer?
Many factors are considered when Tree Pittsburgh staff chooses the available trees for a tree adoption event season. As our trees are grown in our Heritage Nursery, we consider what is available at that time of year and what trees grow well in our area. We always choose native species when possible, but occasionally offer a few non-native species that, with the changing climate as well as new pests and diseases, will also thrive here.
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 food and habitat for many different types of insects and birds, which support a healthy ecosystem. Different trees offer us different but equally important benefits, such as lots of shade or fruit to eat. By increasing the diversity of the species of trees in our neighborhoods, we improve the quality of life for all beings!