Free trees

The Free Trees Scheme is now closed for applications - as of 15 November 2021

All trees have now been allocated. Thank you to everyone who has ordered trees to help make our Borough greener - we look forward to seeing you at your chosen collection date.

Trees are available to collect from Brocks Hill Country Park on:

• Friday 26 November 12:00-16:00
• Sunday 28 November 10:00-12:00
• Tuesday 30 November 14:00-17:00

Free Trees Scheme

To coincide with National Tree Week which runs from Saturday 27 November to Sunday 5 December, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council will be giving away free trees to residents.

Each household and community organisation in the borough can apply for up to two trees. They are all locally grown, native varieties.

There is a choice of five species available, each of which offer something different to a garden and require different levels of maintenance. The trees are currently all around two years old, and approximately 60-80cm high.

The species available to chose from are:

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
  • A medium-sized deciduous tree with a compact bushy crown. One of the first into flower in spring with highly scented white petals, followed by deep red fruits known as ‘haws’. Typically growing to around 6m tall but potentially up to 15m, it is often seen in our hedges and is readily pruned.
• Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
  • A shrub or small tree that is often under planted, this native is notable for its fine autumn colour and small vivid pink and orange fruits. Typically growing to 4m, potentially up to 9m.
• Hazel (Corylus avellana)
  • A medium sized multi-stemmed shrub, often coppiced but when left to grow may reach 10m. Soft yellow catkins are produced in late winter or early spring. Edible nuts are enclosed in a leafy husk.

• Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
  • Festive, neat and prickly. Holly is a well-loved shrub that shelters birds and gives hedgehogs a cosy place to hibernate. Growing up to 20m this can be a large tree if left, but is readily pruned.
• Dog rose (Rosa rugose)
  • We appreciate not everyone has room for a tree, this scrambling beauty that typically adorns hedgerows will flower May to August and is great for our native wildlife, the with nectar for the insects and its rose-hip fruits for the birds.

Not only does tree-planting have a positive ecological impact, creating a more pleasant local environment and attracting birds and other wildlife, it also has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Planting and maintaining trees can boost mental health and be a form of light exercise, as well creating more relaxing gardens and outdoor spaces.