The City of St. Catharines, Ont., is giving away around 1,000 trees to residents for free.

The city started a program called Spring Free Tree Giveaway in order for residents to “help grow our urban forest,” according to development horticultural technician Mike Kraft.

“Planting a tree is a simple action that can have a lasting impact,” he said.

Residents of St. Catharines will be able to pick up a tree on April 25 at Lancaster Park from 8 to 11 a.m.

Those wanting to drop by for their free tree, however, will have to register ahead of time and choose which type of tree they would like. The options are tulip tree, red oak, chokecherry and eastern white pine.

The city said there’s a limited number of trees and registration will close once all trees have been reserved. Proof of residency will be required.

According to a media release, the City of St. Catharines has given away 9,000 trees to residents since 2017.

Hamilton also giving away trees

St. Catharines said in the release it has a goal to increase the canopy covering the streets of St. Catharines from the current 22.4 per cent to 25 per cent by 2030.

“Protecting, preserving and enhancing the tree canopy, also known as the urban forest, is a key environmental stewardship priority in the city’s Strategic Plan,” the city said on its website Monday.

Hamilton also has a tree and shrub giveaway program running. Residents of Hamilton who register will be able to pick up a tree from Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus parking lot P7 from April 30 to May 2 and at Bayfront Park’s main parking lot from May 7 to May 9.

Trees available in Hamilton include Kentucky coffee tree, sugar maple, red maple, tulip tree, eastern white pine and blue beech.