2010 Arlington County Neighborhood Tree Giveaway

Submitted by admin on Tue, 2010-04-20 23:00

One of the great Arlington traditions is our neighborhood tree giveaway -- over the past few years Ashton Heights neighbors have planted HUNDREDS of trees to help make up for those lost to development, weather, and drought.  Arlington County Parks and Natural Resources Division is again promoting the greening of the community’s neighborhoods and enhancement of Arlington’s tree canopy through the distribution of trees for this year’s annual County Neighborhood Day celebration. These small trees are approximately 3–5 feet in height and come in one or two-gallon plastic containers. This year there are four species available:

  • American Sycamore
  • Swamp White Oak
  • River Birch
  • Sweetbay Magnolia

If you are interested in a tree, please email me (Hope O'Keeffe) at hok AT lentigo DOT net or call 703/243-5396.  All requests must be submitted by April 28; the trees will be delivered to N. Lincoln Street in early May.  This year the County is limiting to one per house. The County has created an excellent website about the trees and tree care: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/parks/page61495.aspx

The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a large and spreading shade tree with showy white, cream, olive and gray bark. It can get to 80 feet in height and have up to a 60-foot spread. It is very adaptable to wet or dry soils and likes full and partial sun. View pictures of the American Sycamore and learn more about this tree:

The Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is a large shade tree that adapts well to dry, wet and areas prone to temporary flooding. The species tolerates full sun to partial shade. Leaves are dark green on top and whitish green underneath, resulting in a bicolor effect in the breeze. It can mature to a height of approximately 60 feet and have a 60-foot spread. It is an excellent provider of food and shelter for wildlife of all kinds. View pictures of the Swamp White Oak and learn more about this tree:

The River Birch (Betula nigra) is a rapidly growing shade tree with outstanding ornamental bark that can handle dry or wet sites and full sun to partial sun. It is generally seen with multiple trunks but can also have just a single trunk. At maturity, it might reach up 60 feet in height and with a 40-foot width. View pictures of the River Birch and learn more about this tree:

The Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a small, multi-trunked tree having excellent semi-evergreen waxy foliage and fragrant, creamy-white spring flowers. It can mature to 20 feet in height with a width of 15 feet. It prefers partial sun in moist, rich, acidic soils for best performance but can adapt to sunny or shady conditions in a variety of soils.  View pictures of the Sweetbay Magnolia and learn more about this tree: