Tree Adoptions
Get Involved
Tree adoptions provide Knoxville residents with young, typically container-grown 1- or 3-gallon trees ready to be planted on private property. These trees must be planted as soon as possible after pickup and require regular watering, monitoring, and care during their first few years to become established and thrive in an urban environment.
Helping the Knoxville Community Grow
What is a Tree Adoption?
At Trees Knoxville, we offer tree adoptions—not giveaways—because planting a tree is a long-term commitment that helps ensure its success. When you adopt a tree, you’re taking an active role in caring for it through its critical early years and helping grow a healthier urban forest for our community.
Volunteer Canopy Program
This Spring, Trees Knoxville is working with the Knoxville neighborhoods of Belle Morris, South Haven, and Morningside Heights to increase tree canopy on private property! These neighborhoods have an opportunity to reserve larger 5-gallon trees for their yards. If you are interested and live in one of these neighborhoods, please register through the Volunteer Canopy Program to reserve your free trees for pickup at one of our events!
Trees Available for Adoption
Before You Adopt a Tree
Before picking up a tree, please make sure you can:
- Plant the tree within 24–48 hours of pickup
- Plant on your own property (with landlord approval if renting)
- Choose a suitable location with enough space for the tree’s mature size
- Water regularly for the first 2–3 years, especially during dry periods
- Provide basic ongoing care to help the tree stay healthy and established
Tree Adoption Commitment
By adopting a tree, you agree to plant it promptly and care for it during its establishment period, understanding that trees require ongoing maintenance to thrive in an urban environment. Your commitment helps ensure that each adopted tree can grow into a lasting benefit for our community.
Trees Knoxville supplies the trees and the knowledge to help them succeed. At each tree adoption event, participants receive clear guidance on proper planting techniques, watering schedules, and ongoing care to support healthy growth. Our goal is to set both the tree and the adopter up for long-term success.
Upcoming Tree Adoption Events
We host pop-up tree adoption events throughout Knoxville where residents can stop by and adopt a tree to plant at home. Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability may vary by species and event. These events make it easy to take part in growing Knoxville’s urban canopy—one tree at a time.
By adopting a tree, you’re not just planting for today—you’re investing in shade, cleaner air, stormwater benefits, and a greener Knoxville for generations to come.
Tree Adoption FAQs
Find quick answers about what to expect when you adopt a tree from Trees Knoxville.
How much will I need to water my tree?
Newly planted trees need regular watering, especially during their first two to three years. Trees Knoxville will provide simple watering guidelines at each adoption event and in take-home materials to help your tree get established.
For more information on how to care for your tree, visit our Tree Resources page.
Where should I plant my tree?
Trees must be planted on your own property in a location that allows enough space for the tree to grow to its mature size. We’ll share guidance on selecting the right location, including distances from buildings, sidewalks, and overhead or underground utilities.
How big will my tree get?
Adopted trees are young, but they will grow over time. Mature size varies by species, and Trees Knoxville provides information to help you choose a tree that fits your space and long-term goals.
Printed and digital resources covering planting, watering, and ongoing care are provided with every tree adoption to support long-term success.