Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

SE Wisconsin Big Plant is a collaborative effort across the Milwaukee River Basin to make our communities greener, healthier, and to help prevent stormwater pollution. By gifting free native trees, we reduce economic barriers and encourage environmental stewardship among the residents of SE Wisconsin. Once planted, the trees provide many benefits including stormwater management, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitats, and more!
Big Plant is based in SE Wisconsin, so in order to get a free tree, you must live within a zip code in our service area. Find out whether your zip code is eligible here.
The trees available are still very young and therefore small. When selecting a tree, be sure to consider the dimensions of the tree when fully grown. The tree information sheets provide details on mature tree height and spread, sun and soil preferences, wildlife benefits, and foliage. One should pick a tree based on whether it’s compatible with their yard, followed by personal preference/appeal.
Addresses are strictly used to track the program’s regional impact (which communities trees are gifted in) and to ensure only one free tree is gifted per household. We will not send you any emails, mail, or solicit at your home.
Free trees are limited to one per household per calendar year to ensure that everyone across all our service areas has access to a free tree. Additional discounted trees are available for purchase in advance at pre-registered tree pickup events.

Big Plant distributes trees at a variety of events each year. Some events require pre-registration, and others allow for day of signups. Find an event near you!
If you are renting, be sure to get permission from your landlord before getting a tree. Trees must be planted in the ground and may not be kept inside in a pot. You are welcome to plant a tree near your workplace instead, but must get permission first.
The tree does not need to be planted right away, but do plan on planting it within 1-2 weeks. If you decide to wait to plant your tree, make sure you water it while it’s in the container (but be careful not to over water it either).
Some of the trees provided may have yellow, spotted, or dry leaves. This does not mean the tree is sick or that it will die, the nursery does not provide trees that have a low survival rate. Colored, spotted, or dry leaves may be due to seasonal factors, or low nutrient levels. Since the trees are in small plastic containers, they may lack nutrients, but once the tree is planted and watered, it will obtain those necessary nutrients.