Claim your free trees ... say Herts CC

Herts CC is working with partners to provide more than 100,000 trees for residents, businesses and community groups to plant across Hertfordshire by December 2025.

This is part of the plan to help plant 1.8 million trees by 2030 in support of the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy goals of improving air quality, supporting wildlife, and adapting Hertfordshire to the impacts of climate change.

You can choose from eight different species while stocks last. A limited number of hedgerow packs are also available, which include 36 trees - enough to plant approximately 6 metres of hedgerow.

All of these trees are:

• Great Britain natives and suitable for Hertfordshire’s soil and environmental conditions (this gives them the best chance to grow to maturity)

• two years old and approximately 60-80cm tall (except for hawthorn, which is one year old and a little smaller, as they grow very quickly)

• grown at a UK tree nursery from seed collected in the UK

• beneficial to local wildlife.

• trees that could outgrow a domestic garden, like oaks, or fruit trees that need more complex care are not included.

The young trees may seem small at the time of collection, but they’re easier to transport and more likely to establish well in their new homes, as their roots are under less stress.

• Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)

• Field Maple (Acer campestre)

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

• Hazel (Corylus avellana)

• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

• Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

• Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)

• Hedgerow Packs

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How to collect your trees

Once you’ve requested your trees, they’ll send you a confirmation email within the following two business days. If you don’t receive this, please contact yourtree@ hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Each district will have a dedicated local pick-up point. In November, we’ll send you a further email to let you know where your pick-up point is, and when you can collect your trees.

The main collection date will be Saturday 2nd December. The plants are dormant in December so it’s the best time for transporting and planting them. Details of an alternative collection date and central location will be confirmed shortly, but this might be less convenient and require more travel.

If you’re unable to collect your trees yourself, then a friend, neighbour or family member can collect them on your behalf.

Each tree will weigh very little, and can easily be transported without a vehicle. They’ll provide a starch carrier bag which helps to stop the roots from drying out. These bags meet EN13432 composting standards and can be composted at home, so they’re better for the environment than plastic pots.

Plant trees at least 1.5m away from built structures, and consider the soil type and tree height, plus above and below ground services (water pipes and power lines). You cannot plant your trees on highways verges which the tree is to be planted.

Visit hertfordshire.gov.uk and search ‘free trees’ to apply for your free trees