Tree Giveaway
Celebrate Earth Month with us by greening your neighborhood!
Southside ReLeaf is giving away up to 500 *free* trees to City of Richmond residents on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as part of our Cool the City campaign to reduce extreme heat in the city’s hottest neighborhoods.
By planting trees at your residence or business, you can help cool your block, improve air quality, reduce flooding, and make your neighborhood healthier and more resilient.
If you live in the City of Richmond, sign up to reserve your tree and help grow a greener future. And if you enjoy working outdoors or supporting your community, consider volunteering to help distribute, deliver, or plant trees with us.
Because this giveaway is part of a broader effort to address the urban heat island effect, priority will be given to residents living in the following Richmond zip codes: 23224, 23225, and 23234.
About the Giveaway
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Southside Plaza (Social Services Building)
Address: 4100 Hull Street Road, Richmond, VA 23224
Each household may reserve up to two trees. Trees will be provided in either 2-gallon or 3-gallon pots. Two-gallon trees are typically between 10 inches and 2.5 feet tall, while three-gallon trees are typically between 1 and 3 feet tall.
Trees should be picked up in person during the event. A limited number of trees may be available for walk-ups, but reserving in advance is strongly encouraged.
For neighbors with limited mobility or transportation access, Southside ReLeaf will coordinate delivery and/or planting assistance through our volunteer network. We ask that residents who are able to pick up their trees refrain from requesting delivery so that we can prioritize those with the greatest need.
Why We Need More Trees
Richmond has a heat problem. Across the city — especially in Southside neighborhoods — temperatures are significantly higher in the summer due to lower tree canopy coverage. These same areas are also more vulnerable to flooding from stormwater runoff and often experience poorer air quality.
Trees are one of the most effective tools we have for addressing these challenges. They provide cooling shade, absorb rainwater, and filter pollutants from the air. Simply put, increasing tree canopy is essential to improving residents' quality of life and building resilience in our communities.
You can be part of the solution by planting a tree at home.
Tree Species Available
We are offering a selection of native tree species and shrubs well-suited to Richmond’s climate. Each species has unique characteristics, including mature size, sunlight needs, and environmental benefits. Explore the available species below.
Complete the registration form to indicate which tree species you would like to receive. Availability is first-come, first-served.
Species 1
Species 2
Species 3
Species 4
Species 5
Species 6
Tree Planting Instructions
Whether this is your first time planting a tree or you’re a seasoned expert, every tree comes with planting instructions in both English and Spanish. Our team is committed to helping you succeed, and additional guidance may be available for residents who need extra support.
Call Before You Dig!
Before you dig — even if it is only a few inches deep — you should contact Miss Utility at least three full business days in advance. By using Virginia 811’s free service to mark underground utility lines, you can prevent damage to your property, your neighborhood, and yourself. Call 811 or 1-800-552-7001 to get started.
Cooling the City, Tree by Tree
This Tree Giveaway is part of Cool the City, a community-driven effort to reduce extreme heat and expand tree canopy in Richmond neighborhoods most impacted by the urban heat island effect.
You’re not just planting a tree — you’re helping build a cooler, greener, and healthier city.
Volunteer to Support the Giveaway
Want to help make this event possible? Join us!
We’re looking for volunteers to support:
Onsite Giveaway: Distribute trees and assist participants
Tree Delivery: Help bring trees to residents who can’t attend
Planting Assistance: Support neighbors with proper tree placement
Tree Check-Ups: Help ensure trees thrive during their first year