Rushcliffe Borough Council is offering residents another 1,000 free trees as its annual giveaway scheme returns for a ninth consecutive year.
More than 14,000 trees have been distributed across the borough since the scheme was introduced in 2018.
This year, residents can choose from five species: hazel, crab apple, wild cherry, rowan and guelder-rose.
Deliveries will begin on Monday 23 November, coinciding with National Tree Week. The trees will be supplied by Alba Trees and delivered directly to residents’ homes.
Each tree will arrive as a sapling measuring between 20cm and 50cm and will be posted through the letterbox.
The scheme forms part of the council’s Carbon Clever strategy, which aims to support sustainability and biodiversity across the borough.
Applications are limited to one tree per household and are open to people living in Rushcliffe.
Residents can apply online at this website before Friday 13 November.
The council is encouraging early applications because of expected demand.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Cllr Rob Inglis, said: “We are delighted to bring our free tree scheme back for a ninth year, providing residents the chance to add to the 14,000 trees we have given out already.
“We are always eager to keep adding to the number of trees within the borough and this scheme helps to support our Carbon Clever priorities and create a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment for our local community.
“This year we’re offering five different species of trees for residents to choose from, so if you want to help wildlife, improve air quality and fight climate change, claim a tree!
“This scheme is always popular, so I encourage residents to apply early to avoid disappointment!”
Tree options available:
– Hazel (Corylus avellana) – grows to 12m tall. It has yellow male catkins in early spring, followed by edible nuts in autumn. Grows in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
– Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) – grows to 10m tall, with blossom in spring and summer, hard fruits in late summer. Grows in heavy, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
– Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) – grows to 30m tall, with pink blossom in spring and fruits in late summer. It grows best in full sun and fertile soil.
– Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – grows to 18m tall, with large clusters of yellow-white flowers, striking red berries and colourful autumn foliage. Tolerates a wide range of soils with good drainage, prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
– Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) – grows up to 4m tall, with lace-cap white flowers in spring to summer, colourful red berries, and vivid red autumn foliage. it is not shade-tolerate and prefers moist, alkaline soils. Note: The berries are toxic to humans but highly beneficial to wildlife.
