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Free trees for schools and communities

Trees help people and nature thrive. Getting more in the ground will give us all a greener, healthier future, so we’re giving thousands away free to schools, councils, clubs and community groups in Northern Ireland to help make that happen.

Apply for free tree packs now to get planting this November.

Credit: Eilidh Mair / WTML

Is your group in Great Britain?

If you're applying for free trees in England, Scotland or Wales, the scheme is a little different so please go to the dedicated free tree packs page for Great Britain.

Who can apply?

Any educational establishment and all kinds of local authorities and not-for-profit community groups based in Northern Ireland, including resident associations, sports clubs, local councils, faith groups, scouts, guides and many more.

Why should we apply?

Trees keep us cool in summer, clean our air and help reduce flooding. They encourage more wildlife with food and shelter, boost our physical and mental health, and help fight climate change too. 

Our free packs come in packs of 30 or 105 saplings so you can plant a woodland or hedging and give everyone chance to plant a tree.

When will we get the trees?

In Northern Ireland, our deliveries are made in November. We're currently taking applications for tree packs to be delivered in November 2026. Applications are expected to close in August, though may end sooner depending on stock levels. We’ll let you know within eight weeks if your application is successful.

What’s involved if we’re successful?

Planting trees is a commitment, but don’t worry, we’ll give you all the advice you need for your trees to thrive. Bear in mind that as well as physically planting, you’ll need to prepare the site and take care of your saplings until they’re established enough to need just occasional monitoring. Your pack will include planting instructions and care tips, and Tree Tools for Schools has helpful tools and guidance that's useful for community spaces as well as schools.

What will we get?

Our free packs include 30 or 105 saplings. You can request up to four packs as long as the total does not exceed 420 trees. Each tree is 20-60cm tall, making them easy to transport, handle and plant. Please note free tree packs don’t include protection, so check out our advice on helping young trees thrive. All the trees we supply are sourced and grown in the UK and Ireland. 

Before you apply you’ll need to:
  • find the six digit grid reference for the land you wish to plant using OS Maps
  • get permission from the legal landowner
  • read our FAQs for important and useful information which will help your application.

It’s also a good idea to contact your local council’s tree enquiries team before you apply, as they may have important guidance for planting in your area.

Request a free tree pack for your school or community in Northern Ireland

Email us

Find your perfect tree pack

Our packs contain native trees that thrive in UK soils, so you can choose the right match for your space and goals regardless of your location. Explore the pack details below, then select your choice on the application form. Please note we can't customise packs. 

Hedge pack

Make a natural screen for privacy or to reduce wind or noise. Hedges are also great for joining habitats together to help wildlife travel.

  • Minimum land required: 6-8 metres for double-row hedging
  • Trees: 30 or 105
  • Species: dog rose, hawthorn, hazel, crab apple, dogwood
  • Suitable for hedging? Yes

Woodland pack

Create a mini woodland, link green spaces or define boundaries with this pack to provide lasting benefits for wildlife, people and the climate.

  • Minimum land required: 4x tennis courts
  • Trees: 30 or 105
  • Species: Common oak, rowan, silver birch, wild cherry

Not ready to apply yet?

Get help and inspiration from our FAQs and case studies.

Plan your project

Our free tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Lloyds Banking Group and Simplyhealth.