Free trees available to all of Meck County — registration is Sept. 21 (plus, learn about TreeCharlotte’s schedule for TreeAdoptions)

TreesCharlotte, an organization dedicated to increasing Charlotte’s tree canopy, holds several free Tree Adoption events every year. At these events, Mecklenburg County residents can receive free trees, as well as training on how to care for them.

In general, each eligible household can receive up to two free trees per event. When you register you’ll get to select what kind of tree you’d like. You’ll also receive a bag of mulch for each tree.

There are two kinds of Tree Adoption events.

• Countywide Tree Adoption Events: open to everyone in Mecklenburg County
• Zip code Tree Adoption Events: open to people in specific zip codes

Read on to see the schedule of tree giveaways!

Or just jump to:

• Day of event details
• Next Tree Adoption event
• Tree Adoption event schedule in 2026/2027

Day of Event Details:

• All attendees are required to go through a planting demonstration at the adoption to ensure the health and longevity of our trees. This is a requirement for all participants, even if you have adopted trees or planted with us previously.
• Upon arrival, plan for at least 45 minutes to receive your trees.
• Trees come in containers ranging up to 7-gallons in size, measure up to 10′ tall, and can weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Before arriving, please clear space in your vehicle to accommodate the trees and mulch. Volunteers will be on hand to assist in loading your trees.
• Soil from the container may spill out while the trees are being loaded in your vehicle. It’s recommended that you bring trash bags or tarp.
• You will receive a pre-event email shortly before the adoption with a full list of day-of logistics, including where to park and event flow.
• You will receive an email after the event with planting and care instructions.

Next TreeAdoption

Opening Season TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: September 26, 2026
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: All Mecklenburg County residents
• Registration opens: Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

When you register, you will choose the variety of trees you want. Selections can’t be changed. At this TreeAdoption, there will be the following tree species. All are subject to selling out during registration, so make sure to pick a 2nd, 3rd and 4th choice.

 Tree Species:

• Red Maple, Brandywine
• Serviceberry, Autumn Brilliance
• Paw Paw
• Redbud, Forest Pansy
• Dogwood, Kousa
• Persimmon
• Holly, Nellie Stevens
• Eastern Red Cedar
• Crape Myrtle, Natchez
• Magnolia, Little Gem
• Tupelo
• Osmanthus
• Chinese Pistache
• Oak, Swamp White
• Arborvitae, Green Giant

Tree Adoption Events 2026-27

Opening Season TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: September 26, 2026
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: All Mecklenburg County residents
• Registration opens: Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

Under-Canopied TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: October 17, 2026
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in zip codes: 28206, 28208, 28216, 28213, 28214, 28205, 28212, 28217, and 28273
• Registration opens: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

North Charlotte TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: November 7, 2026
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in zip codes 28216, 28269, and 28262
• Registration opens: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: December 5, 2026
• Time of Tree Adoption: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson (Zip Codes: 28070, 28078, 28031, 28035, and 28036)
• Registration opens: Monday, November 23, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

East Zip Codes TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: December 12, 2026
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in Zip Codes of 28205, 28206, 28212, 28213, 28215, and 28227
• Registration opens: Friday, December 4, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

South Charlotte Zip Codes TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: January 30, 2027
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in Zip Codes of 28202, 28203, 28204, 28209, 28207, 28211, 28210, 28226, 28277, and 28270
• Registration opens: Friday, January 22, 2027, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: February 20, 2027
• Time of Tree Adoption: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in Mint Hill, Matthews, and Pineville (Zip Codes: 28105, 28227, 28106, 28210, and 28226)
• Registration opens: Friday, February 12, 2027, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

West Charlotte TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: February 27, 2027
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: Mecklenburg County residents living in Zip Codes of 28217, 28273, 28278, 28208, and 28214
• Registration opens: Friday, February 19, 2027, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more

End of Season TreeAdoption

• Date of Tree Adoption: March 20, 2027
• Time of Tree Adoption: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Who it’s for: All Mecklenburg County residents
• Registration opens: Friday, March 12, 2027, at 10 a.m.
• Register and learn more