Tree Adoption registrations now open
Get a tree (or two) for your yard through our Tree Adoption program!
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 still a limit of two 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 (they aren’t mature enough to survive in these heavily-trafficked areas).
Tree Adoption Events — Spring 2023
March 25 — HamptonREGISTRATION FULLApril 1 — MunhallREGISTRATION FULL- April 22 (Earth Day!) — Oakland
April 28 (Arbor Day!) — Bethel ParkREGISTRATION FULLApril 29 — Mellon ParkREGISTRATION FULL- May 13 — Sewickley
May 18 — Tree PittsburghREGISTRATION FULL
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!
Spring 2023 Tree Species
- Allegheny serviceberry: full sun to partial shade, mature height 15–40 feet
- American sycamore: full sun, mature height 75–100 feet
- Bur oak: full sun, mature height 60–80 feet
- Buttonbush (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 5–12 feet
- Cornelian dogwood: full sun to partial shade, mature height 15–25 feet
- Eastern redbud: full sun to partial shade, mature height 20–30 feet
- Red osier dogwood (shrub): full sun to partial shade, mature height 6–9 feet
- Sweetbay magnolia: full sun to partial shade, mature height 10–35 feet
- Virginia pine: full sun, mature height 15–40 feet
- Yellow buckeye: full sun to partial shade, 50–75 feet
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!
