How do I get free plants from Adelaide council?

The City of Adelaide offers up to $100 towards established trees or indigenous plants through its Sustainability Incentives Scheme. You can also get a 50% rebate (up to $5,000) for green walls or rooftop gardens. Apply through the council's grants and incentives page with proof of your Adelaide address.

How do I get a free tree from Burnside Council?

Burnside residents can claim a free advanced native tree (voucher up to $75) through the Native Tree Giveaway program. The program runs annually from April to September. Redeem your voucher at participating nurseries including Adelaide Advanced Trees and State Flora. Burnside also runs a separate Local Native Plant Giveaway in May and June each year.

What is the Port Adelaide Enfield Get Shady program?

Get Shady is a free native tree giveaway run by Port Adelaide Enfield Council. The council holds giveaway events distributing 300 trees at a time, and also offers a $100 reimbursement if you prefer to buy and plant your own tree. Registration is essential and the program is only open to PAE residents.

Can I get a rebate for greening my verge in South Australia?

Yes. The City of Marion offers its Greener Verges Rebate, covering 50% of the cost of verge improvements including soil, mulch, native plants and waterwise lawn, up to $500. You will need to submit a Section 221 verge development application before starting the work.

Which SA councils offer tree rebates or free trees?

Several SA councils offer tree rebates or free trees. City of Adelaide provides up to $100 for trees. City of Burnside gives a free advanced native tree worth up to $75. Port Adelaide Enfield runs tree giveaway events and a $100 reimbursement. City of Charles Sturt offers up to $100 back per tree (up to 3 trees). City of Holdfast Bay provides up to $40 rebate on indigenous plants.

South Australia: Free Plants, Rebates and Garden Freebies

Every free plant program, tree rebate and garden freebie from SA councils. Adelaide to Onkaparinga, pick your council and start claiming.

Programs verified June 2026

← All states and territories

City of Adelaide free plants and rebates

Sustainability Incentives Scheme

Rebate

Up to $100 towards established trees or indigenous plants

Who: City of Adelaide residents and property owners.

Trees and plants: Up to $100 towards established trees or indigenous plants for your property.

Green walls and rooftop gardens: 50% rebate (up to $5,000) for green walls or rooftop gardens.

Water tanks: Up to $5,000 for rainwater tanks.

Claim this →

The green wall and rooftop garden rebate at $5,000 is one of the largest single greening incentives offered by any Australian council.

City of Burnside free plants and rebates

Native Tree Giveaway

Free Plants

Free advanced native tree (voucher up to $75)

Who: Burnside residents, schools and community groups.

How: Apply for your voucher through council. Redeem at participating nurseries including Adelaide Advanced Trees and State Flora. The program runs annually from April to September.

Claim this →

A $75 advanced native tree is a genuine head-start. These are established specimens, ready to provide shade within a couple of years.

Local Native Plant Giveaway

Free Plants

Free native plants for residents

Who: Burnside residents.

How: Plants are distributed in May and June each year through the Burnside Biodiversity program. Check the program page for dates and collection details.

Claim this →

Port Adelaide Enfield free plants and rebates

Get Shady Program

Free Plants

Free native trees at giveaway events (300 trees per event) plus $100 reimbursement option

Who: Port Adelaide Enfield residents. Registration is essential.

How: Register through council to attend a free native tree giveaway event. If you prefer to buy and plant your own tree, PAE will reimburse you $100.

Claim this →

The $100 reimbursement option is great if you want to choose a specific species for your yard. Buy your tree, plant it, and send in your receipt.

City of Charles Sturt free plants and rebates

Treebate

Rebate

Up to $100 back per tree, up to 3 trees per residential property

Who: Charles Sturt residential property owners.

How: Purchase and plant a tree on your property, then apply through council for your rebate. Up to $300 total per property (3 trees at $100 each).

Claim this →

City of Marion free plants and rebates

Greener Verges Rebate

Rebate

50% rebate on verge improvements, up to $500

Who: Marion residents.

What's covered: Soil, mulch, native plants and waterwise lawn for your verge.

How: Submit a Section 221 verge development application before starting work. Once approved, complete the verge improvements and apply for your 50% rebate (up to $500).

Claim this →

City of Holdfast Bay free plants and rebates

Green Living Rebates

Rebate

Up to $40 rebate on indigenous plants

Who: Holdfast Bay residents.

How: Purchase indigenous plants and apply for your rebate through council's Green Living Rebates program. Water tank rebates are also available, though funds for 2025/26 are exhausted. Tank rebates reopen in July 2026.

Claim this →

City of Onkaparinga free plants and rebates

Sustainability Rebates

Rebate

Subsidised compost bins, worm farms and bokashi buckets plus water and energy rebates

Who: Onkaparinga residents.

How: Order subsidised compost bins, worm farms or bokashi buckets through council. A range of water and energy rebates are also available. Check the program page for current stock and pricing.

Claim this →

City of West Torrens free plants and rebates

Rainwater Tank and Rain Garden Rebate

Rebate

Up to $500 for rainwater tanks plumbed to household use

Who: West Torrens residents.

How: Install a rainwater tank plumbed to household use (toilet, laundry or hot water system) and apply through council for up to $500 back.

Claim this →

Statewide Programs

These apply across South Australia, no matter which council you're in.

National Tree Day Giveaways (late July)

Event

Free plants at council events across the state

Most councils run free plant giveaways for National Tree Day in late July each year. Check your council's events calendar or the Planet Ark site for local events near you.

Find events →

Entitlements reset every July

Get the updated list (and what to plant with your free haul) once a year when programs refresh.

Got your free plants? Now plan your garden.

See exactly what to plant this month in Adelaide with the free Planting Season calendar.

View the Adelaide planting calendar →