Tree Giveaway and Rain Barrel Sale Event

Online pre-order (QR CODE) and curbside pickup only.

One (1) tree per address and per person, while supplies last. If any address is registered for more than one tree, multiple orders will be cancelled.

Registration: Online pre-order registration opens at 9 a.m. on August 19 and closes at 4 p.m. on September 9 or while supplies last.

If you have registered for a tree and are a Port Colborne resident, you can pick it up with proof of your name and address:

Pickup Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Pickup Location: Vale Health and Wellness Centre parking lot, 550 Elizabeth St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5W3

Pickup Time: Dependent on the species selected.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Black Cherry
• Common Hackberry
• Eastern Cottonwood

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• White Cedar
• White Oak
• White Spruce

Residents will be responsible for planting and caring for their tree; trees will not be planted by City staff.

Trees should be planted on a residential property in Port Colborne. Please ensure that the area you plant the tree has enough room for it to grow to its full size. Trees are not to be installed on City property.

Available Species

Black Cherry

• Can grow up to 22 metres tall
• Moisture: tolerates a variety of moisture levels
• Soil: grows in a variety of soils
• Shade: grows best in full sun
• When grown in cooler temperatures, black cherry will be more shrub-like
• Bunches of small white flowers grow in the spring after the first leaves have fully developed
• Dark red cherries grow in clusters from August to early September (8 to 10 millimetres across)
• Learn more

Common Hackberry

• Can grow up to 15 metres tall
• Moisture: grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but has some tolerance for drought and flooding
• Soil: adapts to many soil types
• Shade: grows best in full sun
• Red to purple berries with a pitted stone stay on tree throughout winter
• Learn more

Eastern Cottonwood

• Can grow up to 30 metres tall
• Moisture: grows best in well-drained, moist sites, typically around stream banks, but can tolerate dry to moderately wet soils and is adapted to growing on floodplains
• Soil: grows best in sandy soils but tolerates a variety of soils
• Shade: requires full sun
• Eastern cottonwood has soft wood, making it susceptible to wind and ice damage. It should not be planted near buildings
• Learn more

White Cedar

• Can grow up to 15 metres tall
• Moisture: grows best in moist soil
• Soil: grows in a variety of soils, but does not tolerate road salt
• Shade: tolerates some shade
• Cones grow in clumps of 5 or 6 pairs
• Learn more

White Oak

• Can grow up to 35 metres tall
• Moisture: can tolerate a variety of moisture levels
• Soil: can tolerate a variety of soils
• Shade: prefers full sun
• With its deep rooting system, white oak should not be planted close to septic systems or drainage tiles
• Learn more

White Spruce

• Can grow up to 30 metres tall
• Moisture: tolerates a range of moisture levels
• Soil: can grow in almost any soil type
• Shade: tolerates shade
• Sensitive to frost damage when young and should be planted in a protected area
• Learn more

Tree Planting Resources

How a tree works
How to plant a tree
How to plant a potted tree
How to stake and tie a tree
How to mulch
How to water a tree
How to prune a tree
The ABCs of pruning
Why do I need to prune?

Can I change my species once I have registered?

No. If there are still species available you can cancel your order through Eventbrite and register for the tree you prefer. Once registration has been filled we are unable to change your species.

Where can I plant my tree?

Your tree must be planted on private property. We suggest your side yard or backyard.

Can I send someone to pick up the tree on my behalf?

Yes. You may send a member of your household to pick up the tree on your behalf. They will need the confirmation email from Eventbrite and proof of residence (e.g., drivers license, property tax bill).

I am no longer able to pick up my tree, what do I do?

Please cancel your ticket through Eventbrite. The registration will be cancelled and the tree can then be reserved by someone else.

How do I change or cancel my order?

In your confirmation email, click "Go to My Tickets" and select "Cancel Order." If you would like to change your selected tree species prior to registration closing, you will need to cancel your order and place a new one if any are available.

Can I pick up my tree before the event? Can I arrange another date for pick up?

No. Trees can ONLY be picked up on Saturday, September 14, 2024 between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. No trees can be held for alternate pick up.

Can I choose which tree I receive on the day of the event?

No. The trees will be loaded by City staff directly into your vehicle. Due to the volume of trees being given away we require residents to stay in their vehicle.

Cost: $40 + tax per rain barrel. Must be purchased through the website above.

Limit of 2 barrels per household.

The sale is open only to residents of the City of Port Colborne. Proof of residency will be required at the time of pickup. (e.g., driver's license or utility bill.)

If you have purchased a rain barrel, you can pick it up with proof of your name and address:

Pickup Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Pickup Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Pickup Location: Vale Health and Wellness Centre parking lot, 550 Elizabeth St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5W3

In production for over 25 years, Rain Catcher rain barrels are the gold standard for rainwater collection with over 375,000 barrels sold across North America.

Designed to mimic a traditional wooden barrel the Raincatcher line of rain barrels have many modern features not found in a basic barrel.

• The large opening and flat back design allow for easy installation and placement of the downspout while the spoke and wheel pattern in the top of the barrel keeps it child and pet safe.
• The overflow connection at the back of the barrel allows excess water to flow down and underneath the barrel to direct it away from foundations.
• Spigots on the side of the barrel allow you to connect multiple Rain Catcher barrels in-series for easy expansion of your rainwater storage capacity.
• The aluminum mesh screen keeps out debris to keep the water clear.

Place them around your home to catch water as it pours from your downspouts - Water that would otherwise make its way into storm sewers only to be wasted. Rain barrels not only save you money but lessen the strain on water resources.

• The barrels are constructed of recycled, UV inhibited, BPA free polyethylene.
• Includes debris screen, garden hose, shut-off thumb valve, hanging hose clip, overflow hose, and linking kit.

Specifications

• Plastic: Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Rain Catcher 4000
• Assembled Dimensions: 24"D x 24"W x 32"H
• Total Volume: 6 cu ft / 50 Gallon / 189 Litre

Did you know? You can use rain barrel water to:

• Water the lawn and garden
• Water indoor plants
• Wash your car
• Clean driveways, patios, and other outdoor areas

Reasons to own a rain barrel:

• Reduce your water bill and conserve water.
• Control moisture around the foundation of your house.
• Grow happier, healthier plants.
• Prevent soil erosion.
• Help to protect the City’s stormwater infrastructure by diverting excess flow from the stormwater system.

What colour will my rain barrel be?

Rain barrels will be black.

Will I need to assemble the rain barrel?

Some assembly is required. The instructions can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

How do I install and use my rain barrel?

Watch this video "Rain barrel how to" to learn more about installing and using your rain barrel.

What happens if we get more rain than the barrel can hold?

The overflow hose will direct any overflow away from your house. Ensure the overflow hose drains at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) away from the foundation of your home. You can also buy multiple barrels and connect them to capture more water during rain events.

How do I store my rain barrel in winter?

Drain barrel and store in shed or garage. If left outside, water may freeze inside and the barrel may crack.

Can I drink collected rainwater?

Collected rainwater contains pollutants and debris from your roof and is not safe to drink. If you’re using collected rainwater to water your fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them thoroughly before eating.

Can I send someone to pick up my rain barrel(s) on my behalf?

Yes. You may send a member of your household to pick up rain barrels on your behalf. They will need the confirmation email and proof of residence (e.g., drivers license, property tax bill).

Can I pick up my rain barrel(s) before the event? Can I arrange another date for pick up?

No. Your rain barrel(s) can ONLY be picked up on Saturday, September 14, 2024 between 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. No rain barrel(s) can be held for alternate pick up.

Can I buy a rain barrel on the day of the event?

No. They must be pre-ordered through the website above before 4 p.m. on September 9, 2024.