Home / Environment / PEI Offers Free Trees: Plant Your Own Backyard Forest
PEI Offers Free Trees: Plant Your Own Backyard Forest
25 Jan
Summary
- Islanders can receive free tree planting services for their property.
- The program aims to plant native tree species and create forested patches.
- Applications are open for the 2026 season on a first-come, first-served basis.
An initiative on Prince Edward Island is inviting residents to help reforest the province by planting trees on their own land. The PEI 2 Billion Trees program, administered by the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance, provides free seedlings and planting labor to landowners who volunteer their property.
The program, supported by the federal government, aims to plant native tree species in deforested areas and those impacted by storm damage. Eligibility requires owning land and accepting a minimum of 50 seedlings, with property access for planters being essential.
Participants can influence planting locations, though the focus is on creating forested patches rather than simple privacy lines. Six native species will be planted, spaced two meters apart, to enhance forest resilience against pests and weather.
Due to past drought conditions that delayed planting efforts, the province plans to plant 350,000 trees in the spring across various programs. Applications are currently open for the 2026 season, with selections made on a first-come, first-served basis until all trees are allocated.
