Branching out – Frankston’s City biggest ever tree giveaway!
Published on 28 August 2025
Frankston City Council is delivering its largest ever tree and indigenous plant giveaway in 2025–26, with thousands more trees for homes, schools and community spaces thanks to an increased budget commitment through its new Local Support Package.
The expanded program will give everyone more opportunities than ever to help grow the city’s tree canopy on both public and private land. This supports delivery of Council’s Urban Forest Action Plan, which has seen more than 60,000 trees planted across open space, natural reserves and roadsides since 2021 through the three-year commitment to plant 20,000 trees a year, and the continued planting program with 10,000+ more trees across open spaces and streetscapes.
One of the biggest boosts will be to School Tree Day, where Council will provide 12,000 free indigenous plants to schools and early learning centres (up from 3,000 last year). The program, which has been running for more than 20 years, is one of Council’s longest-standing environmental initiatives.
Other 2025–26 greening initiatives include:
- Indigenous Nursery tree giveaway: 1,400 trees in large 200mm pots (available April 2026)
- Frankston City News voucher: annual plant (tube stock) voucher for households (April 2026)
- Event and workshop giveaways: plants available at events such as Picnic in the Park (March 2026), National Tree Day (July 2026), and the Indigenous Nursery Open Day (March 2026)
- Gardens for Wildlife Program: 20 free plants for participating households (ongoing)
- Request a Street Tree: residents can apply for a new street tree near their property (always open)
- Environmental Sustainability Grants – Landowner works: up to $1,000 for eligible projects (applications open 1 September – 20 October 2025)
- 2026 Street Tree Planting Program: continued planting across public spaces.
Cr Emily Green said the initiatives are about giving the community the tools to make a visible difference.
“We’re putting more trees in more hands than ever before,” Cr Green said.
“From schoolyards to backyards, every tree planted helps cool our city, provide habitat for wildlife, and make Frankston City even greener and supports our wellbeing.”
Frankston Environmental Friends Network Chair, David Cross, said the group also welcomed these initiatives.
“In particular, we are enthusiastic about the increased supply of plants available to residents and schools from the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Frankston Indigenous Nursery,” he said.
“Every tree, shrub and grass planted through these initiatives goes towards making Frankston a better place to live – we all need green, open spaces for our health.
“From our wonderful beaches to the many natural reserves and open spaces, we truly are fortunate to call Frankston home.”
Residents, schools and groups are encouraged to get involved by applying for programs, attending events, or simply planting in their own gardens.
For more information, visit: www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Environment
The tree giveaways are an important part of Council’s $1.7 M Local Support Package, which was introduced as part of the 2025-26 Budget to help ease the pressure on Frankston City households.
For more information about Council’s Local Support Package, visit: Local Support Package - Frankston City Council