National Tree Day, organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Glennon Brothers, is an annual celebration of trees for Primary Schools across Ireland.
The Scots Pine (An Giúis – Pinus sylvestris) returns as the National Tree Day tree for 2026 and to celebrate 2,000 free saplings are available to primary schools across Ireland.
Schools can claim their tree here, and teachers can find activities, puzzles, tree facts, educational resources and ideas for getting outdoors and exploring the trees around them at treeday.ie.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon as they grow. They provide food and shelter for wildlife, help protect our soils, provide shade and shelter, and play a part in managing rainwater.
Watch the news2day report at the top of this article to find out more.
Glennon Brothers National Tree Day. Photo: Mark Stedman
This year's theme is Planting for the Planet, encouraging children to discover the important role trees play in creating a greener, healthier and more resilient world.
It is also about planting the right tree in the right place, caring for young trees and protecting the mature trees already growing around us. And the message for National Tree Day 2026 is Two Trees Are Better Than One.
Schools that took part last year may already have a Scots Pine growing in their grounds. This year, they can add another – either planting it nearby or choosing a new location and watching how the trees develop over the years.
Scots Pine is one of Ireland’s native trees and is particularly valuable for wildlife. Its seeds are a favourite food of red squirrels, bees collect its resin to make propolis for their hives, and 91 species of insects depend on Scots Pine.
It is also a remarkably hardy tree. Its waxy needles help reduce water loss during dry weather and it can grow in a wide variety of soils and conditions.
About the Tree Council of Ireland
The Tree Council of Ireland is a non-profit organisation and registered charity dedicated to promoting the planting, care and conservation of trees throughout Ireland.
