Hounslow Council's 'Free Trees for Hounslow' initiative is open for sign-up for 2023/24.
Published: Thursday, 9th November 2023
Hounslow Council’s flagship campaign, Free Trees for Hounslow, is back again this year and is giving residents another opportunity to take home potted fruit trees for free.
The initiative is in its third consecutive year, and is open to Hounslow residents, schools, and local faith and community groups.
750 trees in total are available for this year’s giveaway, which includes 500 reserved for residents, 150 for community and faith groups, and 100 for schools.
Last year, the Council’s parks team distributed more than 900 trees to the Hounslow community as part of Free Trees for Hounslow, which contributed to the Council surpassing its ambitious tree planting target for the season.
Schools, community groups, and faith groups will be able to apply for an individual tree or bundle of three trees each, while residents will be able to apply for one tree per household.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Recreation, Public Spaces, and Parking said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome back the ever-popular Free Trees for Hounslow initiative for its third year.
‘Tackling the climate emergency is a key priority for myself and the Council, with our annual free tree giveaway playing an important part in Hounslow’s commitment to plant at least 22,500 trees by 2026.
‘Building upon the successes of previous years, we are pleased to announce that this year's tree giveaway has been extended to include faith and community groups, adding to our usual residents offering.
‘Hounslow’s schools are also once again eligible to participate as part of our commitment to supporting students and schools in the borough to take action towards protecting our environment.’
Three collection days have been set throughout December and January, which allow residents to come and pick up the tree they have ordered:
- Sunday, 3 December: Feltham Arenas Parklands.
- Sunday, 14 January: Boston Manor Park, Brentford.
- Sunday, 21 January: Turnham Green, Chiswick.
Each collection event will run from 10am-1:30pm.
The species of tree available are: ‘Jonagold’ Apple, ‘Victoria’ Plum, ‘Brown Turkey’ Fig, ‘Concorde’ Pear and, ‘Morello’ Cherry.
The Council is working in partnership with Lampton Services (wholly owned by the Council), and Greentalk, a London-based organisation that focuses on environmental engagement, such as tree mapping and nature preservation.
As part of Hounslow Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, a commitment to planting 22,500 trees by 2026– and growing more wildflowers – is already in place.
The Council's £5 million investment into parks and open spaces has been used to fund a range of projects, including the planting of trees, building of new infrastructure, and the creation of new green spaces. This investment will help to ensure that Hounslow remains one of the greenest boroughs in London, with plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
- More information, including how to apply for a tree, is available on our website.
- Information on how to care for your tree and to find out more about Greentalk is also available on the Greentalk website.
