Trees · Tennessee

Trees Knoxville Tree Adoptions and Volunteer Canopy

Run by Trees Knoxville (nonprofit urban forestry group)

SeasonalLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Young 1- or 3-gallon trees; Volunteer Canopy neighborhoods can reserve 5-gallon trees at no cost; cost of standard adoptions not published (page calls them adoptions, not giveaways). Trees Knoxville reports 450 saplings given away free in 2025.
Who qualifies
Knoxville residents (landlord approval if renting). Volunteer Canopy trees limited to Belle Morris, South Haven and Morningside Heights residents.
Where
Knoxville residents; Volunteer Canopy trees limited to Belle Morris, South Haven and Morningside Heights.
Status
Seasonal. Events listed on the events page; availability varies by species and event.
Type of payment
Free item
Official program page

What you do

Adopt young container trees at a pop-up event and plant them on your own property, watering and caring for them for 2 to 3 years.

Requirements

  • Plant within 24-48 hours of pickup
  • Plant on your own property with room for the tree's mature size
  • Water regularly for the first 2-3 years and provide basic care
  • Trees first come first served; species vary by event
  • Limit per person not published

How to apply

  1. 1Check the Trees Knoxville events page for the next tree adoption event
  2. 2Show up at the event (Oct 19 at the Trees Knoxville office and Oct 24 at The Hive Bookshop are listed, year not stated on the page)
  3. 3For Volunteer Canopy neighborhoods, register through the Volunteer Canopy Program link to reserve trees for event pickup
  4. 4Pick up and plant the tree

Timing and deadlines

Same-day pickup at events.

Event dates only; see events page

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs