Free Tree Day is set to return for its third year, giving Tauranga residents the chance to help grow the city’s urban canopy by planting a free native tree at home.
This year’s collection will take place at Mercury Baypark on Saturday, June 6, from 8am to 4pm – a day after Arbor Day is celebrated in New Zealand.
Households can register to receive one free native tree to plant on their property.
Tauranga City Council urban forester team lead Mark Armistead says the event has become a popular fixture on the local calendar.
“We’ve had two really successful years with strong community support, and we expect just as many people to get involved again this year,” he said in a media release.
“There’s a range of native trees to choose from, each offering benefits such as shade, improved air quality and habitat for birdlife.”
The initiative supports the council’s goal of increasing tree canopy coverage across the city to 30%.
Providing trees directly to households is also more cost-effective than the council planting and maintaining the same number of trees.
Residents wanting to take part must book a collection time to help manage distribution and ensure a smooth pick-up process.
Trees are sized to fit in standard vehicles, so trailers are not required.
More information and registration are available at tauranga.govt.nz/freetreeday.