As summer sweats its way to an end, the time for fall tree-planting approaches.

To encourage increasing our native tree population, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) is hosting a Fall Tree Giveaway at the College Park Airport. This popular event takes place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. and continues until all the trees are gone.

Prince George’s County residents will be able to choose two trees per vehicle, on a first-come, first-served basis. Previous MNCPPC free tree giveaway events have been well received, so plan to arrive early for the best chance to get the tree species you prefer. Unlike with City tree giveaways, there is no option to reserve trees in advance.

As summer temperatures are continuously rising, we can benefit from all the natural shade we can get. In addition to providing shade, native trees on your property support pollinators and other wildlife, hold soil in place to improve drainage, clean the air, help to reduce summer cooling costs, and simply look beautiful – and they’re even more attractive when they are free!

Seven different native species will be offered on September 30: Flowering Dogwood in white or pink (Cornus florida), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) will be available in five-gallon pots. In seven-gallon pots, choose from White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) or Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

Take a look around your yard to consider your space, sun exposure, soil conditions, and what you enjoy looking at, to help plan your tree selection. For example, White Fringe Trees do well in full sun to partial shade (you may have noticed these in bloom outside City Hall at the beginning of this summer). The American Hornbeam does well in shady landscapes and provides wildlife shelter in the coldest months.

Fall is an advantageous time to plant trees in our area, not just because temperatures are falling, which makes tree-planting easier work. Autumn’s cooler temperatures and plentiful rainfall help the new plant begin to develop healthy roots and adapt to local conditions. The new roots will continue to grow until the ground freezes. This puts the young tree in a better position to grow and flourish when winter ends, and the established roots better equip the plant to endure extreme summer heat and drought.

Plan to have your new trees in the ground by October 31. For general instructions on how to plant a tree, see the Tree and Landscape Board’s tree planting brochure on the City website.