We're giving away up to 250 native trees to help locals green their gardens as we upgrade the Eastern Freeway.

This program is on top of work already underway to plant at least 2 trees for every one removed to build the project.

We'll be planting more than 2,000 trees and over one million shrubs, grasses and groundcovers as part of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Tram Road to Springvale Road.

Where local areas including Eram Park and Junction Road Reserve are required to support construction, planting and reinstatement will increase the number of trees and plants, provide new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and return large open grassed areas for people to use.

More than 3,000 trees have already been planted in parks, reserves and local streets, with more planned. It's all part of delivering one of the biggest tree planting programs for a major road project in Victoria.

Fast facts

• 2 trees planted for every 1 removed
• 2,000+ new trees
• 1 million+ new plants and grasses
• 250 free trees for local gardens.

Register for your free trees

Complete the online registration form.

The Backyard tree planting program is currently open to residents near Eastern Freeway construction areas in Blackburn North, Box Hill North, Doncaster, Doncaster East and Nunawading.

Tree selection

Choose up to 2 free native trees ideal for growing in Melbourne gardens. The trees will be semi-advanced (200mm pot size) and will be less than 5 metres tall once fully grown.

• Eucalyptus - Commonly known as a gum tree. Varieties include Honey Pots and Euky Dwarf. Dwarf/ small forms to be supplied. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Hakea - A small tree/large shrub suitable for screening. Varieties include Willow-leaved and Yellow. Thrives in full sun.
• Callistemon - A flowering shrub, commonly known as a bottlebrush. Varieties include Kings Park Special and Western Glory. Ideal for screening and thrives in most soils.
• Acacia - Commonly known as a wattle. Varieties include Golden Wattle and Snowy River. Dwarf/small forms to be supplied. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Grevillea - A flowering shrub/small tree that attracts nectar feeding birds. Varieties include Robyn Gordon and Superb. Suits well-drained soil.

How do I get my free trees?

Choose your trees

Use the information in this fact sheet to choose up to 2 trees that are a good fit for your garden.

Register online

Complete the online form - 250 trees are available, so early registrations are encouraged.

We’ll grow your trees

Yarra View Bushland Nursery will grow your trees until ready for planting.

Collect your trees

In Autumn 2026, your trees will be ready to plant. You can collect them or we can deliver them to your home.

Plant and care for your trees

We’ll help you out with some tips when you receive your trees.

Please contact us if you would like more information. For languages other than English please call 9209 0147. If you need assistance due to a hearing or speech impairment, contact Relay Service.