Tree, shrub giveaway planned for March 27

Several local organizations are again teaming up on a March 27 event that will allow area residents to get free native trees and shrubs.

There will be 2,300 free one-gallon native trees and shrubs given away on Saturday, March 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fredericksburg Nationals’ stadium at 42 Jackie Robinson Way. The event is made possible by financial contributions and grants from Tree Fredericksburg, Bartlett Tree Research, We Plant Trees, Friends of the Rappahannock, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and Trees Virginia. A similar event was held at the ballpark this past fall.

There is a limit of five trees and/or shrubs per family — with a limit of one dogwood per family. People who cannot pick up their trees can send someone to pick them up. There will also be stakes and moisture meters available for purchase. The event will be done as a drive-through to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines; recipients will be able to pick up their trees without leaving their vehicles. Masks are mandatory for all participants. All recipients must agree to plant and care for their trees as per prescribed standards and report that their tree has been planted.

Registration opened today for City of Fredericksburg (22401 ZIP code) residents, and it will open for other area residents starting Monday. All unclaimed trees will be available at the event starting at 12:45 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trees available while supplies lasts: White Dogwood, Red Maple, Black Gum, Serviceberry, River Birch, Redbud, Fringe Tree, American Persimmon, Witch Hazel, Sweet Bay Magnolia, Swamp White Oak, White Oak and Bald Cypress.

Shrubs available while supplies last: Bayberry, Highbush Blueberry, Elderberry, Red-Osier Dogwood, Arrowwood Viburnum and Winterberry.

Click here to register. People with questions about the event can contact Anne Little at [email protected].