Free Trees Ireland

Apply for Free Trees

We welcome applications from a wide range of individuals and groups who are passionate about reforestation. Whether you're involved in a community project, a school, a local tree initiative, a farm, or small holding, we encourage you to apply. We're particularly keen to support larger areas of land (over one acre) or projects within cities, as these are our priority for creating significant reforestation impact.

For those with gardens, you’re also welcome to apply! We offer trees at a cost of €1.99 per tree for garden projects. Please note, this cost helps us continue our efforts in larger-scale reforestation.

Gearóid (Founder, Reforest Nation) in a 6 month old forest.

Minimum Tree Order

Our minimum tree order is 1,000 trees or 10 bags. This is enough to plant a small woodland. Here’s what that looks like:

• Miyawaki Forests: In Miyawaki Forests, trees are densely planted to mimic natural forests and speed up ecosystem restoration. With a planting density of 5 trees per square metre, 1,000 trees will cover approximately 0.05 acres. To give context, that’s about the size of half a basketball court. This method is perfect for creating lush, biodiverse forests in smaller spaces.

• Standard Forestry: If you prefer to plant using the standard Irish forestry regime, where trees are spaced 2 metres apart, 1,000 trees will cover roughly 1 acre (or 4,000 square metres). This is equivalent to about the size of a standard football pitch, ideal for larger reforestation projects.

• Hedgerows: For hedgerows, with trees planted at 25-centimetre intervals, 1,000 trees can create a hedgerow stretching up to 250 metres. That’s nearly the length of two and a half football fields, making it a great option for lining fields or creating natural barriers.

Priority Applications

While we aim to support as many projects as possible, we give preference to larger reforestation projects over one acre and sites in cities. These areas align best with our goals of increasing tree coverage where it can have the most impact.

Not Eligible? No Problem!

If your project doesn’t qualify for trees, don’t worry. You can still come and collect trees from us in Greystones, Wicklow next spring. We’ll be offering trees on a first-come, first-served basis, with up to 100 trees per person available.

Comparing Planting Methods:

Miyawaki Forests:

Miyawaki forests rapidly create dense, biodiverse ecosystems by mimicking natural forest structures. The close planting of native species fosters a rich variety of plant and animal life in a relatively short period. This method is particularly beneficial in urban areas or small spaces, where reintroducing native biodiversity can have a profound effect. Miyawaki forests help restore soil health, improve water retention, and provide essential habitats for birds, pollinators, and small mammals. The fast growth and dense vegetation also contribute to carbon sequestration and air quality improvement.

Standard Forestry:

Standard forestry involves planting trees with traditional spacing, allowing the development of a layered forest structure over time. These forests provide critical habitats for a wide range of species, from canopy-dwelling birds to ground-dwelling mammals and insects. As the forest matures, it becomes a stable and resilient ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the local environment. Standard forestry helps prevent soil erosion, supports water retention, and plays a key role in carbon sequestration. These forests are essential for large-scale reforestation projects, contributing to long-term environmental restoration.

Hedgerows:

Hedgerows act as natural corridors that connect different habitats, supporting wildlife movement across the landscape. They provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, small mammals, insects, and pollinators, making them invaluable in agricultural and rural settings. Hedgerows also play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health by reducing soil erosion, acting as windbreaks, and supporting water conservation. They contribute to biodiversity by creating continuous, linear habitats that enhance the overall connectivity of the landscape, making them essential for wildlife-friendly land management.

The Benefits of Native Irish Trees

At Reforest Nation, we prioritise the use of trees that are of Irish provenance, ensuring they are well-adapted to the local climate and ecosystems. Planting native species is key to restoring biodiversity and supporting local wildlife.

We provide a diverse mix of native trees, carefully selected to maximise biodiversity on your land. Some of the species you might receive include oak, birch, hazel, rowan, and alder, among others. Wherever possible, we tailor the mix to suit the specific conditions of your site, ensuring your trees have the best chance of thriving.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

By choosing to plant with Reforest Nation, you’re not only contributing to the reforestation of Ireland, but also to the restoration of vital ecosystems. If you have a project in mind, whether it’s creating a Miyawaki forest, planting trees in a standard forestry layout, or establishing hedgerows, we’re here to help every step of the way. And if you need an extra hand, we can direct volunteers to assist with your planting efforts.

Let’s work together to bring more trees back to Ireland’s landscapes!

Apply for trees