Keep Durham Beautiful will be giving away trees to Durham residents on December 7 from 10am-1pm in the parking lot of Hillside High School, located at 3727 Fayetteville Rd, Durham. Reserve a tree below!

our partners

• Funding for this Giveaway provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the City of Durham. These institutions are equal opportunity providers.

• Special thanks to the Alpha Zeta Omega Durham Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for being our volunteer tree distribution partners

• Thanks to Hillside High School for providing the venue

About the Trees

These are outdoor trees and shrubs that will need to be planted outside as soon as possible. They are native trees that will provide habitat and food sources for birds and pollinators. They will add shade and beauty to your yard and neighborhood.

The Fine Print

• One tree per household

• If you cannot pick up your reserved tree at the designated time and location, we regret that we are not able to hold it for you. It IS OK for someone else to pick up your tree for you.

• Planting Specifics:

  • Plant tree within Durham County

  • Must have permission from property owner to plant tree

  • Plant tree in the ground within a week of receipt for best success; water weekly until you can plant

  • Water tree weekly the first year, especially when hot or dry

Benefits of trees

• Oxygen: Trees produce oxygen that humans need to breathe. 

• Air quality: Trees help reduce air pollution. 

• Erosion control: Trees prevent soil erosion by catching water with their leaves and stabilizing the ground with their roots. 

• Water management: Trees reduce storm water runoff, which can help prevent flooding and pollution in waterways. 

• Wildlife habitat: Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and pollinators like bees. 

• Biodiversity: A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of plants, fungi, moss, insects, and mammals. 

• Climate change: Trees help combat climate change. 

• Energy costs: Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs by countering the "heat island" effect in urban areas. 

• Property values: Homes with trees in their yards can sell for 5–10% more. 

• Jobs: Community trees support jobs in the urban forestry industry.