We're making our city even greener: request a free tree
As the municipality of Zoetermeer, we are going to green up even more - and you can help! After the great success of the tree action in 2024, the municipality of Zoetermeer is again offering residents the chance to apply for a free tree. This action is a follow-up to the motion "Natural Treasures for a Green Home!", which was adopted by the City Council on November 11, 2024.
The municipality is happy to support your efforts for a green city. Therefore, we offer several actions to help you, such as this temporary tree action, encouraging and partly subsidizing greening of roofs and making garden advice from the Garden Rankers available free of charge. In addition, we encourage participation in the NK Tegelwippen, where you can replace tiles in your garden with greenery. Of course, the municipality itself is also working hard to green the city. Together we are creating a greener and healthier living environment!
Why greening?
Increasingly, we are experiencing hot or dry periods and periods of heavy rainfall. This causes heat and water problems and also negatively affects the amount of different plants and animals in our city. By planting a tree in your yard, you provide:
- Cooling in hot periods
- Water drainage in case of rain
- Improved air quality
- Increasing biodiversity
- A more beautiful garden and/or neighborhood
In addition, trees make the city greener, healthier and more pleasant to live in for people and animals.
The rules of the game
- This action is for residents of Zoetermeer. The tree must be planted in a garden in Zoetermeer.
- You can sign up for a free tree while supplies last. You do this by using the link at the bottom of this page.
- You can apply for a maximum of one tree per household.
- There is a limited amount of trees available, so OP=OP. Applications will be processed in order of receipt.
- You may only plant the tree on your own property.
- You plant the tree at least 2 meters from the property line.
- You can choose from 7 types of trees (see tree list). The trees are about 2-3 meters tall and grow to their mature height after planting.
- Your free tree will be delivered to you between Saturday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 18, during evening hours (between 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.).
- The municipality supplies the tree; you are responsible for planting it yourself. A tree pole, tree tape and nails are provided to make planting as easy as possible for you.
- Planting and (under)keeping the tree is done at your own risk. The municipality of Zoetermeer is not liable for any damage caused by planting and keeping the tree.
Note!
- If you have a rental property with a garden, you need permission from your landlord. If you participate in an Owners' Association, you need permission from the other members.
- Make sure there is adequate growing space (underground and above ground) for the tree.
Tree list
Check out the trees to choose from below.
Crataegus paul scarlet
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet', also known as red hawthorn, is a small to medium-sized tree with a spherical crown and rich blooms in May-June. The double rose-red flowers attract bees and spread a pleasant scent. Red fruits appear in the fall and are loved by birds. This tree is well hardy, tolerates paving and is suitable for small gardens and urban settings.
Prunus nigra
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', also known as red cherry plum, is an ornamental tree with a round crown and striking dark red to black-purple leaves that remain until late in the fall. In early spring it blooms profusely with pink flowers that attract bees, even before the leaves appear. The tree reaches a height of 5 to 8 meters and is suitable for smaller gardens, parks and urban settings. It is hardy, tolerates pollution and is ecologically valuable as a gestation tree for bees and food source for birds.
Prunus autumnalist Rosea
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea' is a winter-flowering ornamental cherry with a broad, vase-shaped crown and a height of 6 to 8 feet. It blooms repeatedly from November to April with semi-double pale pink flowers, as long as it does not freeze. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow to orange, and the tree is well hardy and suitable for small gardens and parks. In addition, it is ecologically valuable as a gestation tree for bees.
Sorbus dodong
Sorbus 'Dodong', also known as rowanberry, is a medium-sized tree with an ovoid crown. It has glossy dark green, pinnate leaves that turn intense orange-red in autumn, and blooms in May and June with white flowers in corymbs. Orange-red, pear-shaped fruits appear in the fall that are favored by birds and remain on the tree for a long time. The tree is ecologically valuable as a gestation tree for bees, host tree for butterflies and food source for birds.
Salix fragilis bullata
Salix fragilis 'Bullata' is a slow-growing crack willow with a compact, spherical crown and glossy dark green leaves. It flowers in spring with yellow-green catkins and tolerates wet soils well. Its shape and hardiness make it suitable for urban planting. In addition, it is ecologically valuable as a host plant for butterflies, which feed on its leaves and nectar.
Malus toringo scarlet
Malus toringo 'Scarlett' is a compact ornamental apple with upright growth and a height of about 4 to 6 feet. It blooms in April-May with striking dark pink double flowers, followed by red to purple fruits that remain on the tree for a long time. The leaves sprout dark purple, turning bronze-green in summer and turning scarlet with purple highlights in fall. This tree is ecologically valuable as a gestation tree for bees, host tree for butterflies and food source for birds.
Malus red sentinel
Malus 'Red Sentinel' is an ornamental apple tree with a compact, round crown and a height of about 4 to 6 meters. In spring, it blooms with white flowers emerging from pink buds, followed by numerous bright red, ball-shaped fruits that remain on the tree into January. The leaves sprout bronze and later turn green, providing a beautiful seasonal appearance. This tree is ecologically valuable as a gestation tree for bees and food source for birds.
Help with planting and/or maintenance
Want advice on planting or maintaining your tree? Then take advantage of our Garden Rankers - a free service from the municipality where experts give you personal advice on greening your garden. For more information, visit General tips for greening your garden.
Greening up more?
Also consider participating in the Green Roofs grant. This allows you to green the roof of your shed or gazebo, for example. This subsidy reimburses one-third of the total project costs, with a maximum of €3,000. For more information, see Subsidy - Green Roofs Zoetermeer 2025-2027.