Giveway Information
For a limited time, Boise residents can sign up to receive a free tree to plant at their home or private business within city limits. This tree giveaway is being coordinated by the City of Boise and Treasure Valley Canopy Network with the Boise Farmers Market during the month of October. In all, 500 trees spanning 15 different species will be available for pick up and planting in Boise throughout the month of October (limit one tree per household).
The 15 tree varieties included in this giveaway have been chosen due to their size and ability to thrive in Boise’s climate. A limited number of each variety is available. Residents interested in receiving one of these trees can reserve their tree through the Boise Farmers Market’s online registration platform. Please note these are mature trees, not seedlings, measuring five to seven feet in height. Anyone who reserves a tree should be prepared to bring a truck or vehicle to the market that can accommodate a tree of this size. Delivery is not available at this time. A limited number of trees will be available for reservation each week through the market's online system. You must use their EventBrite link and create an account to reserve a tree for pickup. Tree varieties are available on a first come, first served basis each week starting on Tuesday at 7 a.m. No walk-ups will be permitted at drive-thru market hours on Saturdays.
Reserve a tree: https://boisefarmersmarket.localfoodmarketplace.com/products
If you reserve a tree you must reserve a BFM Drive-Thru pickup time here: https://theboisefarmersmarket.com/bfmdrivethru
Pickup times will be coordinated through the Boise Farmers Market during Saturday drive-thru hours in the month of October. The market is located at 1500 Shoreline Drive in Boise. Dates when trees will be available for pick up at the market (pre-registration and a reserved time required) include the following Saturdays:
- Oct 3 (all trees reserved)
- Autumn Brilliance, Serviceberry
- Norwegian Sunset Maple
- Bloodgood London Plane
- Oct 10 (all trees reserved)
- Spring Snow Crabapple
- Heritage River Birch
- Swamp White Oak
- Oct 17 (all trees reserved)
- Thundercloud Plumb
- Skyline Honeylocust
- Bur Oak
- Oct 24 (all trees reserved)
- Eastern Redbud
- Canadian Red Chokecherry
- Tulip Tree
- Oct 31
- Flowering Dogwood
- Greenspire Linden
- Chanticleer Pear
City of Boise and Treasure Valley Canopy Network arborists will be on hand at the market to help residents load up their tree and provide planting and care tips to ensure long term health. The City of Boise’s Curb It compost program will provide free compost and Boise Parks and Recreation’s Community Forestry division will have free mulch available on site for anyone taking a tree home to plant. Big thanks to Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters, Treasure Valley Coffee and Flying M Coffee for providing reused, biodegradable bags for this event!
Planting Tips
Congratulations on your new addition! This tree will provide years of enjoyment for you and your family if planted and cared for properly. Here are some simple tips to make sure you give it a good home:
- Make sure the tree is planted in an area where it can grow to maturity. Be aware of overhead power lines and nearby structures that can be damaged by branches or roots.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the tree container and have the root flare at or just above grade level. If you received a bag of compost with your tree make sure to work the compost into the soil around the roots. This will enrich that soil and help your tree grow.
- Water the tree immediately after planting to allow dirt to settle and roots to establish.
- You can use the burlap sack from your compost or mulch to create a biodegradable weed barrier around your tree, just cut the bag so that it lays flat. More layers will give you better weed control.
- Adding mulch will help retain water around the roots of the tree and build up the soil over time.
- Stake tree only if necessary.
