Leesburg’s Fall Tree Giveaway Encourages Residents to Grow Local, Stay Rooted
If you’re thinking about planting a tree this fall, the Leesburg Tree Commission is making it easy — and free.
On Saturday, November 1, starting at 9 a.m., the festival field at Ida Lee Park will be lined with native tree saplings, ready for Loudoun County residents to take home and plant. It’s all part of the Town’s Treesburg initiative, launched last year to build up Leesburg’s urban canopy and bring back native species to our neighborhoods and yards.
At least 270 saplings will be handed out — first come, first served — along with guidance from tree care experts and the town’s Urban Forestry team. These aren’t just any trees. Each one is native, climate-resilient, and carefully chosen to thrive in Loudoun’s soil and weather.
What Trees Are Available?
Here’s a peek at the species available (while supplies last):
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Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) – Local fruiting tree, great for shade and wildlife.
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Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – A springtime favorite with pink blooms.
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Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) – Light, airy flowers and great for pollinators.
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Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – Fall bloomer with yellow ribbons of flowers.
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Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) – Host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies.
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Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) – Fragrant, with glossy evergreen leaves.
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Black Gum/Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) – Beautiful fall foliage, excellent for birds.
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Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) – Supports pollinators and offers fruit for wildlife.
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Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) – Tall, fast-growing, and good for shade.
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Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) – A large, long-lived oak for open spaces.
Whether you want to boost shade in your yard, support pollinators, or create habitat for local wildlife, Tree Commission volunteers can help you pick the right fit.
Community Tree Map — Track Your Tree’s Growth
After planting, residents are encouraged to add their tree to the Treesburg Community Planting Map — a growing online record of every tree planted through the initiative. You can even upload photos and share updates each year to track how your tree grows over time.
Why It Matters
Leesburg — like many parts of Loudoun — has seen explosive development over the past two decades. Tree giveaways like this one are part of the town’s effort to preserve a natural balance and reconnect folks with the native landscape that’s so quickly disappearing. These trees aren’t just about beautifying your yard — they’re about preserving biodiversity, improving air and water quality, and keeping Loudoun green for the long haul.
Bring a tote or a bin to carry your tree home, and get there early — these saplings tend to go fast.
