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Tree Give Away 2023
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SOLD OUT! All trees have been spoken for. Join us next year for another giveaway or come at 3pm to pick up any trees that may have been left behind.
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Saturday, October 21st
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Pickup Location – Second Baptist Church / 3300 Broad Rock Boulevard (see map below)
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Four trees per person/family. Open to residents of Richmond, Henrico, Hanover & Chesterfield counties.
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Trees are meant for your personal yard or garden, not city tree wells.
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Familliarize yourself with the 18 different species on offer below
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Find refreshers here:
![image_6483441](https://www.richmondtreestewards.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image_6483441.jpg)
The entrance to the tree giveaway can be found on Walmsley Blvd, a quarter mile from Broad Rock Blvd. When you reach this point, you will see signage to make a right turn into the pickup area.
Keep an eye out for additional signs that will lead you to the tree giveaway location.
SUPER TREES
Like super foods but super trees, these beauties grow taller and live longer. That means they filter more air, soak up more storm water run-off, feed more wildlife, and protect a greater area from the hot hot sun. If you have the space, these are some of the most beneficial trees to plant and care for.
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
- WILDLIFE: Offers shelter and nesting sites for various bird species. Its small fruits provide food for birds and small mammals.
- BARK: Distinctive mottled bark with patches of white, tan, and brown, peeling to reveal greenish inner bark.
- STATS: Height: 70 – 100 feet, lifespan around 200 – 600 years.
- LANDSCAPE: Thrives near water sources like rivers and streams. Adaptable to various soils, urban environments, and different light conditions.
The American Sycamore is a remarkable tree known for its unique bark, providing vital habitat for birds and small mammals. Its adaptability to different environments and long lifespan make it a prominent feature in various landscapes.
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
- WILDLIFE: Over 30 different species of birds eat the black cherry fruit, as well as mammals like foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, mice and even black bears.
- FLOWERS: Tiny white flowers bloom in late spring/ early summer, giving rise to berries that mature in early fall.
- STATS: Height: 50 – 80 feet / Life span: 100 years – 250 years
- LANDSCAPE: A versatile and fast-growing tree that can tolerate different soil types. Black cherries love sun but will also grow well in part shade or shade.
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
- WILDLIFE: Provides acorns for birds (woodpeckers, blue jays, wild turkeys, ducks) and mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, deer). Supports diverse insect life.
- LEAVES: Lustrous green in spring/summer, stunning red, orange, and brown hues in fall.
- STATS: Height: 60 – 90 feet, can live 300 – 500 years.
- LANDSCAPE: Adaptable to various soils, common in mixed hardwood forests.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- WILDLIFE: Rabbits and deer eat young leaves, squirrels and other rodents feed on the fruit, and butterflies, moths and bees all come for its flowers.
- FLOWERS: February to April, one of the first plants to flower here in Richmond.
- STATS: Height 90-120 feet (30 meters) / Lifespan 100 years
- LANDSCAPE: One of the most versatile trees on the east coast, it prefers loamy soil but can also excel in sand or clay. Often grows by the river so it can adapt to wet environments, but it also does fine in dry ones. If you have the room, maples and oaks are some of the best overall trees to plant.
River Birch (Betula nigra)
- WILDLIFE: Deer eat twigs and foliage, beavers eat bark, and rabbits eat their seeds. Ruby-throated hummingbird, squirrels and yellow-bellied sapsuckers drink its sap.
- FLOWERS: The drooping catkins (long yellow flower spikes) begin developing in the fall when the male flowers emerge. Female catkins start to grow in early spring with the birch’s first leaves. Male and female fruit matures during spring and early summer.
- STATS: Height: 80 – 100 feet / Life span: 50 – 75 years
- LANDSCAPE: Found along rivers and in swamps and flood plains because they like it wet, but they won’t tolerate shade. Even seedlings won’t germinate without direct sunlight. This is the only species in a family of cold-weather trees that grows this far south.
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- WILDLIFE: It is the host plant for the Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, its most famous resident. It attracts other butterflies, moths, squirrels and other small mammals. Birds love its autumn seeds.
- FLOWERS: Large, yellow-orange blooms appear in April and May and despite their common name, they are not closely related to tulips or poplars, but rather are a member of the Magnolia family.
- STATS: Height: In the forest it can grow up to 150 feet, in cultivation, generally, 60 – 90 feet. Tulip poplars are fast growers, about 2 feet a year. / Life span: 200 – 250 years
- LANDSCAPE: They grow best in rich, deep soil, but will tolerate other soils as long as they aren’t placed in soil that is regularly inundated or prone to flooding like riverbeds. When young they prefer shade, but they quickly outgrow most competition. Planted in sun, they grow slowly and less tall.
Fruit & Nut Trees
If you want to get snacks from your yard, choose one of these. Most will produce more fruit or nuts if planted with a friend or two to ensure cross pollination. They can take from 3 – 8 years to produce fruit, and you will probably have to compete with some wildlife for your harvest.
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
- WILDLIFE: The nuts mature from July to October and are eaten by many creatures including squirrels, deer, turkey, woodpeckers, pheasants and humans. The male catkins bloom in winter and can be a source of food for over-wintering birds.
- FLOWERS: The male catkins (drooping flower stalks) appear in late winter and the female flowers are inconspicuous. Planting multiple trees can ensure pollination. Nuts will appear when it is 2 – 3 years old.
- STATS: Height: 8 – 16 feet / Life span: 40 years
- LANDSCAPE: It can grow in almost any soil type and needs full sun to part shade.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
- WILDLIFE: Foxes, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and birds all watch for the ripened fruits. Deer generally avoid pawpaw leaves, which gives them an advantage over other trees in reaching maturity.
- FLOWERS: Maroon flowers develop into green summer fruits that ripen to a yellow/brown in early fall. The second biggest fruit native to North America (gourds are technically fruits), these heavy, 2-6 inch custardy bundles weigh down the delicate branches in the fall. Matures to fruit bearing age when 5 – 8 years old.
- STATS: Height 35 feet / Life span under 50 years
- LANDSCAPE: Pawpaws are understory trees that like moist soil that drains well. They will produce more fruit with more sun, but they tolerate shade. Their leaves are quite large so some protection from excessive wind helps.
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
- WILDLIFE: Pollinators and other birds will often travel great distances to get to a persimmon. Aside from the flying animals, deer, raccoons, possums, and other rodents love their fruit. The tree will start bearing fruit when it is 3 – 5 years old.
- FLOWERS: Flowers arrive in May to June, and fruit sets in late fall / early winter. Fruit that is left hanging on the tree and exposed to frost is more delicious. If you pick it early, allow it to fully soften before eating.
- STATS: Height: 80 – 115 feet / Life span: 60 years
- LANDSCAPE: They prefer wet soils. The tree can tolerate shade, but there will be less fruit than if it was in more sun. If unsure of the cultivar, it can be helpful to plant more than one persimmon in an area. With the exception of self-pollinating cultivars, the trees are either male or female, and there is a greater chance of fruit if they are planted in proximity to each other.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
- WILDLIFE: Several species of birds including robins, catbirds, orioles, thrushes, mockingbirds and grosbeaks like the fruit. Chipmunks and other lightweight mammals eat the berries as well, and deer and elk eat the foliage.
- FLOWERS: Flowers come in early spring and fruit ripens in June / July. The fruit is in such demand by birds and mammals that it is often eaten up before it ripens.
- STATS: Height 20 feet / Life span under 50 years
- LANDSCAPE: Prefers wet soils, but will tolerate drier ones, with full sun to part shade.
Showy Trees
If you’re after beautiful flowers or foliage these trees will impress you. Considered medium sized trees growing about 20 – 60 feet tall, understory trees like these often live at the edge of a forest, which gives them access to more sunlight, while allowing pollinators to easily find them.
Flowering Dogwood (Benthamidia florida - fka Cornus florida)
- WILDLIFE: Loved by bees, birds, and other pollinators, dogwoods can also attract deer, chipmunks, and squirrels.
- FLOWERS: Blooms appear in April before the foliage. The real flowers are in tiny clusters at the center of the showy white or pink “petals” that we associate with dogwoods.
- STATS: Height: 30 – 40 feet / Life span: up to 80 years
- LANDSCAPE: They do best in moist, acidic soils with some afternoon shade. They can fail when next to excessive heat sources like a parking lot or AC compressors. They will not tolerate drought, so be careful to water thoroughly once or twice a week.
Fringe Tree (Chioanthus virginicus)
- WILDLIFE: Its flowers attract all kinds of pollinators, and at least 75 different species of birds visit them for their blue-purple fruits, including thrashers, bluebirds, vireos, and finches.
- FLOWERS: March to April blooms are fringe-like and white with a rich fragrance. Fringe trees are either male or female. It’s hard to tell their sex when young, but if you plant more than one together, you increase your chance of getting more fruit.
- STATS: Height:12 – 20 feet
- LANDSCAPE: Fringe trees grow best in rich soil with a neutral to alkaline pH (less acidic soil). It can tolerate clay soils and some drought. The best foliage appears when it is planted in partial shade, and the best flowers are produced in full sun.
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
- WILDLIFE: Their fruit attracts song birds as well as larger birds, including turkeys and quail, squirrels, possums, and mice. Deer and cattle browse the branches and foliage.
- FLOWERS: Large creamy white flowers about 3 – 5 inches in diameter have a light lemony – vanilla fragrance. Their pollen is very high in protein and it attracts bees, insects, and beetles.
- STATS: Height 10′ – 20’ / Life span: 80 years
- LANDSCAPE: They flower best in full sun and can grow in a variety of soil types. They will tolerate moderate flooding.
Tiny Trees
If you have limited space, try planting these babies. Generally fast-growing and petite, these hard-workers produce consistent food for wildlife and may spread on their own making them ideal for creating borders. Some pruning may be required to keep their ambitious bushiness in check.
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
- WILDLIFE: The nuts mature from July to October and are eaten by many creatures including squirrels, deer, turkey, woodpeckers, pheasants and humans. The male catkins bloom in winter and can be a source of food for over-wintering birds.
- FLOWERS: The male catkins (drooping flower stalks) appear in late winter and the female flowers are inconspicuous. Planting multiple trees can ensure pollination. Nuts will appear when it is 2 – 3 years old.
- STATS: Height: 8 – 16 feet / Life span: 40 years
- LANDSCAPE: It can grow in almost any soil type and needs full sun to part shade.
American Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus)
- WILDLIFE: Its bright red fruits are a favorite among birds, including thrushes, cardinals, and finches.
- FOLIAGE: Features attractive green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red in the fall.
- STATS: Height: 6 – 9 feet, lifespan around 20 – 30 years.
- LANDSCAPE: Thrives in woodland areas, forests, and along woodland edges. Prefers well-drained soils and partial to full shade.
The American Strawberry Bush is a small but valuable tree for wildlife. Its red fruits attract various bird species, while its lovely foliage adds beauty to woodland environments. Perfect for shaded areas, this tree contributes to the biodiversity of its natural habitats.
Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
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WILDLIFE: The flowers bloom from late spring to summer, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Waterfowl and other birds are drawn to the seeds that develop after flowering. The shrub’s dense structure offers cover and nesting sites for birds.
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FLOWERS: Distinctive spherical flower clusters form during late spring and persist into summer. The flowers transition to small nut-like fruits, which are consumed by birds.
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STATS: 6 to 12 feet high / Lifespan: several decades.
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LANDSCAPE: Flourishes in moist to wet soils, making it an excellent choice for water garden edges, pond borders, and other wetland landscapes. Thrives in full sun to part shade, adapting to various light conditions.
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
- WILDLIFE: Attracts butterflies, birds, and small animals.
- FLOWERS: Clusters of tiny white flowers appear in June / July and fruit ripens in late summer early fall.
- STATS: Height 6 -12 feet/ Life span: 60 years
- LANDSCAPE: Elderberry will grow in wet or dry soil but prefers full sun. They spread by root suckers and will form small colonies of shrubs. Winter pruning can keep them in check.
Fringe Tree (Chioanthus virginicus)
- WILDLIFE: Its flowers attract all kinds of pollinators, and at least 75 different species of birds visit them for their blue-purple fruits, including thrashers, bluebirds, vireos, and finches.
- FLOWERS: March to April blooms are fringe-like and white with a rich fragrance. Fringe trees are either male or female. It’s hard to tell their sex when young, but if you plant more than one together, you increase your chance of getting more fruit.
- STATS: Height:12 – 20 feet
- LANDSCAPE: Fringe trees grow best in rich soil with a neutral to alkaline pH (less acidic soil). It can tolerate clay soils and some drought. The best foliage appears when it is planted in partial shade, and the best flowers are produced in full sun.
Possum Haw Viburnum (Viburnum nudum)
- WILDLIFE: The plant’s berries are a valuable food source for birds, including songbirds and waterfowl. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.
- FOLIAGE: Attractive glossy leaves that turn shades of red, purple, and orange in the fall, adding to its ornamental value.
- STATS: Height: 6 – 12 feet, lifespan around 20 – 30 years.
- LANDSCAPE: Thrives in various soil types, from wet to well-drained, and is often found in woodland edges, swamps, and wetlands. Tolerates full sun to part shade.
Viburnum nudum, commonly known as With-rod or Possumhaw, is a versatile shrub appreciated for its wildlife support and aesthetic appeal. Its berries provide nourishment to birds, while its showy foliage and nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators. Well-suited for various landscapes, this viburnum adds beauty and ecological value to natural areas and gardens alike.
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
- WILDLIFE: Their fruit attracts song birds as well as larger birds, including turkeys and quail, squirrels, possums, and mice. Deer and cattle browse the branches and foliage.
- FLOWERS: Large creamy white flowers about 3 – 5 inches in diameter have a light lemony – vanilla fragrance. Their pollen is very high in protein and it attracts bees, insects, and beetles.
- STATS: Height 10′ – 20’ / Life span: 80 years
- LANDSCAPE: They flower best in full sun and can grow in a variety of soil types. They will tolerate moderate flooding.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
- WILDLIFE: Several species of birds including robins, catbirds, orioles, thrushes, mockingbirds and grosbeaks like the fruit. Chipmunks and other lightweight mammals eat the berries as well, and deer and elk eat the foliage.
- FLOWERS: Flowers come in early spring and fruit ripens in June / July. The fruit is in such demand by birds and mammals that it is often eaten up before it ripens.
- STATS: Height 20 feet / Life span under 50 years
- LANDSCAPE: Prefers wet soils, but will tolerate drier ones, with full sun to part shade.
Ozark Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
WILDLIFE: A valuable habitat for wildlife, offering shelter and nesting opportunities for diverse bird species. Its unique small fruits serve as a food source for birds and small mammals.
FLOWERS: Captivating spidery flowers bloom in late winter or early spring, defying the season’s norms. These fragrant clusters range from yellow to orange, providing a burst of color against the winter backdrop.
LEAVES: Simple, alternate, and obovate leaves create an elegant green foliage during the growing season. In fall, they transform into a captivating spectrum of yellow, orange, and red hues.
STATS: 6 to 10 feet, with a similar spread / Lifespan averages 200 to 600 years
LANDSCAPE: Flourishes in environments near water sources such as streams and riverbanks. Demonstrates adaptability to diverse soils, urban settings, and various light conditions. A favorite in gardens and landscapes due to its winter-blooming allure.
*** OUR ONLY NON-NATIVE SPECIES ON OFFER. IT IS NOT INVASIVE. NATIVE SPECIES IS DIFFICULT TO CULTIVATE. ***