Residents in Castle Hill and across Greater Sydney will be able to claim a free tree for their backyards as part of the NSW Government’s popular Free Tree Giveaway kicking off today.
Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams MP said the program will offer thousands of trees to claim during autumn and spring, to align with optimal planting times.
“This year’s trees include native varieties as well as citrus and flowering trees which will provide shade and privacy for years to come,” Mr Williams said.
Department of Planning and Environment Executive Director Steve Hartley said more than 25,000 trees are being offered across Greater Sydney’s 33 council areas. “Trees improve our quality of life, increasing air quality and shade, delivering better urban amenity and creating habitats to support wildlife,” Mr Hartley said. “By planting a tree in your yard, you are helping to build a greener, more liveable city – creating cooler suburbs for generations to come.
“We received an overwhelming response to our giveaway in the first two years – running out of trees in just days – with more than 45,000 already planted in Greater Sydney backyards as part of this program.
“Of the residents who participated in the giveaway, more than half have gone on to plant additional trees at home which is exciting to see.”
“We are also encouraging everyone to get their hands dirty, plant a tree, big or small, outside of the giveaway and register it to make it count towards our target,” he said.
The program is part of the NSW Premier’s Priority of Greening our City, which aims to plant one million trees in Greater Sydney by the end of 2022. Applications are online and your local Bunnings store will be in contact when trees are ready to be collected and planted.
For a list of eligible suburbs and Bunnings Warehouse stores participating in the 2022 Free tree giveaway visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/free-tree and to register a tree visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/register-your-tree.
If residents are unable to claim a tree this time, more trees will be made available during autumn and spring. To be notified when the next giveaway is open please visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/free-tree and register your interest.
