The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay has announced its fall native tree giveaway. Four native species of trees will be offered at no cost to residents of Manheim Borough, Columbia Borough, Marietta Borough, and Mount Joy Borough.

One of the simplest actions to support clean air and clean water is to plant a tree. In urban areas, trees shade paved surfaces and reduce stormwater runoff, keeping waterways healthier. Native trees also support more species of wildlife than non-native trees.

Among the species offered will be the white fringe tree, a small deciduous tree or multi-trunked shrub that develops fragrant, white flowers with long, fringe-like petals in the late springtime. Ideal for small yards, it only grows up to 20 to 25 feet tall, providing shade, floral fragrance, and habitat for wildlife.

Also offered is the striped maple, a slow-growing understory tree ideal for growing in the shade of a larger tree or as a landscaping layer in shade gardens. It can grow 15 to 25 feet tall at maturity and does not tolerate much sunlight. The striped maple has golden yellow fall foliage.

Residents may also request a sweetbay magnolia, a small-statured, semi-evergreen tree up to 30 feet tall with white, fragrant blooms. It commonly grows as a multi-trunk tree but can be trained with pruning to a single stem. Unlike other magnolias, this species thrives in soil with average to consistent moisture.

The final option is the chinkapin oak, a medium to large shade tree in the white oak family. It thrives in full sun with moist to dry soil and can grow up to 60 feet tall with a wide, round crown. Chinkapin oak is well adapted to limestone-based soils common in Lancaster County.

Residents and property owners may request up to three trees, and they must agree to plant their trees within one of the aforementioned boroughs. Quantities are limited, and trees will be delivered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Requests will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 1, while supplies last.

To reserve trees, email bbarber@allianceforthebay.org or call 717-517-8698. People should indicate their name and phone number, the delivery or planting address, and the preferred tree species. Trees and planting instructions will be delivered to the address provided in early October.

Funding for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources under a grant for urban and community forestry.