Amsterdam residents will have the opportunity to pick up a free tree on Saturday, as part of a special initiative celebrating the city’s 750th anniversary. The Healthy City Foundation is

distributing a total of 7,500 trees across four locations in Amsterdam, encouraging locals to make the city greener.

The annual campaign, aimed at enhancing the urban environment, invites residents to plant trees in their gardens, allotments, balconies, or other private spaces. Last year, the foundation gave away 3,200 trees, and this year, the effort has been significantly expanded.

Alderwoman Melanie van der Horst and Healthy City Foundation director Hannah Hendrikx officially kicked off the campaign at 11:00 a.m. at Stadsboerderij Osdorp. Participants can choose between two native species: the wild cardinal’s hat and the field maple. These tree types are well-suited for urban settings, as they remain small and contribute to the city's biodiversity through their flowers and berries.

Tree distribution will occur at Stadsboerderij Osdorp in Nieuw-West, De Ceuvel in Noord, De Groene Hub in Zuidoost, and KIT Tropentuin in Oost. The trees, which are no taller than one meter, are easy to transport by bicycle or public transportation, making them accessible for all residents.

Hannah Hendrikx emphasizes the numerous benefits of planting trees in urban areas. “A large tree in front of your house or apartment provides as much, if not more, cooling than five air conditioners,” she explains. “It also purifies the air, collects rainwater, creates play spaces for children, provides shelter for birds, and serves as a food source for pollinators. More trees in the city are crucial for improving our living environment.” Photo by FotoDutch, Wikimedia commons.