Free trees available to Fairfax County residents

The Fairfax County Urban and Community Forestry Division has teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away native trees to county residents.

The initiative is aimed at expanding the tree canopy on private property, while helping residents reduce energy costs and improve neighborhood resilience.

The trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can sign up and select their trees here.

Up to two trees, approximately 1 to 3 feet tall, will be brought directly to residents’ homes.

The trees come in one-gallon containers, and residents will also receive stakes and protective tree shelters to help them thrive.

Trees available in the Annandale area include baldcypress, black tupelo, river birch, swamp white oak, sweetbay magnolia, willow oak, and southern red oak.

Trees planted near homes provide natural shade that can reduce summer cooling demand, lower energy use, and decrease carbon emissions.

“This program makes it easy for Fairfax County residents to take meaningful climate action right in their own yards,” said Brian Keightley, director of the Urban and Community Forestry Division. “By planting trees today, we’re investing in cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, and long-term energy savings for our community.”

Fairfax County’s tree canopy coverage is 55 percent. The goal is to reach 60 percent by 2030. In addition to addressing climate impacts, such as urban heat islands, expanding the tree canopy would also improve water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance overall neighborhood livability.