Fairfax County is teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away free trees to residents as part of its efforts to nurture the local tree canopy.
Starting today (Tuesday), all county residents can sign up online to receive up to two one-gallon trees that will be delivered directly to their homes, according to the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ (DPWES) Urban and Community Forestry Division.
The deliveries will also come with stakes and protective shelters to help recipients maintain their new trees.
“The trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis,” DPWES said.
According to the county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), about 55% of the county’s land is currently covered by forest or neighborhood trees, exceeding smaller localities in the area, including Herndon, Arlington County and Alexandria.
However, the amount of coverage varies drastically by census tract, from little to none in urban centers like central Tysons to over 60% in more rural areas or places with significant parkland like Mason Neck and Great Falls.
Under its Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) adopted in 2021, the county is targeting an increase in its overall tree canopy to 60% by 2030, with at least 40% coverage for every census tract by that time and 50% by 2050. Right now, approximately 65.7% of census tracts meet the 40% minimum.
Since adopting the CECAP, the county has taken some steps to expand its canopy, including by planting more trees at sites identified as heat islands and increasing its requirements for plantings along streets and in parking lots. Last year, county staff updated their guidelines for developers to emphasize native, resilient species.
In addition to providing shade and natural beauty, trees reduce energy costs, stormwater runoff and carbon emissions, according to DPWES.
“This program makes it easy for Fairfax County residents to take meaningful climate action right in their own yards,” Brian Keightley, the county’s urban and community forestry division director, said in the announcement of the Arbor Day Foundation giveaway. “By planting trees today, we’re investing in cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, and long-term energy savings for our community.”
Anyone who misses out on the Arbor Day Foundation offer will have a chance to pick up a future tree at the Burke Farmer’s Market when it launches for the season on April 18.
The Fairfax County Tree Commission will be handing out seedlings while supplies last at the market, which will operate from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burke Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak Station (5671 Roberts Parkway). Black gum, red oak, willow oak, sweetbay magnolia and eastern redbud seedlings will be available.
“The Tree Commission will have experts on-hand to provide planting guidance and answer questions,” DPWES said in a press release. “Mark your calendars and please join us!”
