How To Get A Free Tree For Outside Your Home In Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island residents can sign up for a free tree sapling from the RI Department of Environmental Management, in conjunction with the RI Tree Council, RI Nursery and Landscape Association and the Arbor Day Foundation.

The department will make 1,000 saplings available for residents, just in time for spring planting. Registration opens Friday.

Now in its seventh year, this popular semiannual program helps Rhode Islanders save energy and lower their utility bills by strategically planting trees on their property. DEM officials said planting the right tree in the right place is the key to maximizing the energy-saving benefits trees provide.

When planted properly, a single tree can save homeowners money on energy costs by shading their home in the summer and blocking cold winds in the winter. Additional benefits include improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and beautifying your surroundings.

"Planting trees in our neighborhoods makes them greener and provides shade to keep people cooler and healthier in hot weather," DEM Director Terry Gray said. "These are investments in our communities and the quality of life throughout Rhode Island, particularly in our cities. From an environmental perspective, planting a tree in the right place can improve air quality, capture and store carbon, and help manage stormwater runoff. It’s a terrific way for Rhode Islanders to reduce their energy costs today and in the years to come, and a tangible way to stand up to climate change."

The two small species (up to 35 feet tall) available in the spring giveaway are the trident maple and pawpaw. Medium-sized trees (up to 50 feet) include the eastern hophornbeam, black tupelo, and yellowwood. Large species (taller than 50 feet) include the bald cypress, dawn redwood, and ginkgo. The process to reserve your free tree only takes a few minutes, DEM officials said.

Pick up events will be held around the state from April 29 through May 20. The hours for pickup are from 9 a.m. to noon.

See tree pickup events below:

• April 29 — Richmond Elementary School at 190 Kingstown Road in Richmond
• May 6 — Colt State Park along Route 114 in Bristol
• May 13 — RI State Parks Headquarters at 1100 Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown
• May 20 — RI Tree Council at 2953 Hartford Ave. in Johnston.

At the time of pickup, trees will be about four to six feet tall and in three-gallon containers. They will fit in most cars, the DEM said. The program is only open to Rhode Island residents, and all trees must be reserved in advance.