– Priority registration begins for residents in communities with high social vulnerability –

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – It’s easy, it’s free and a great way for residents to help grow and strengthen Fairfax County’s urban forest, one yard at a time. Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the Fairfax County Urban and Community Forestry Division is giving away free trees to Fairfax County residents to plant on their properties. When planted properly, these trees will help increase shade, reduce energy use and carbon emissions, improve water quality, reduce urban heat island effects and help make communities cleaner and greener.

For the first two weeks of the program, free trees will be available to Fairfax County residents who live in communities that rank “high” or “very high” on the Social Vulnerability Index. Eligible residents may receive up to two free one-gallon trees, shipped directly to their homes while supplies last.

To keep an eye on the start dates and to participate, visit Get Trees | Arbor Day Foundation. Tree recipients will be given access to an online tool that can help residents identify the best location to plant their tree, see estimates on how each tree could affect their home’s energy costs and select the trees they would like to receive. Trees will be shipped directly to residents along with tree shelters and stakes.

Residents outside the priority areas may also submit a request during the initial two-week period but will be notified that tree distribution is initially reserved for residents in communities with high or very high social vulnerability. If trees remain available after the two-week priority period, the program will open to residents throughout Fairfax County, and remaining trees will be distributed while supplies last.

Residents can choose from a selection of carefully chosen, non-invasive, regionally native and ecologically appropriate tree species suitable for the local environment. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis within each phase of the program.

To request this information in an alternate format, contact UCFD at 703-324-1770, TTY 711

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at Arbor Day Foundation | Tree Planting Non-Profit.