Front Royal’s New Green Initiative: 800+ Trees Planted

Over the past six months, Front Royal has seen two major tree giveaway events. The first event occurred on Veterans Day in 2023, followed by another as part of Lone Pine Day this past April. These events were coordinated by Front Royal’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) and the Front Royal/Warren County Tree Stewards. The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Virginia Trees for Clean Water Program generously funded both events.

In total, more than 800 native trees were distributed. These included Eastern Redbuds, Bald Cypress, Loblolly Pine, Black Gum, Pin Oak, Flowering Dogwood, Swamp White Oak, Red Maple, Serviceberry, Tulip Poplar, and Sycamore. Despite the large stock of trees at each event, all were claimed within two hours. On Lone Pine Day, people lined up half an hour before the event began.

Community Enthusiasm and Engagement

Volunteers struggled to meet the demand for trees at Lone Pine Day. Jim Osborn, Town Arborist and Chair of ACES, was thrilled with the community’s response. “Our community has shown us that there is a demand for native trees, which we didn’t know existed to this extent before. This tells us that this same community recognizes the importance of trees and all the benefits they offer. Whether it’s a need for shade, added beautification, an interest in attracting wildlife, or all of the above, our local landowners are ready to plant more trees, and that’s a big win for everyone.”

Volunteers couldn’t unload the free trees fast enough to meet demand at Lone Pine Day this past April. The tree giveaways were incredibly well-received by the community. Photos courtesy of Front Royal’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (ACES).

Tree Stewards, ACES members, and community volunteers all smile after completing two successful tree giveaways.

Melody Hotek, President of the Tree Stewards, shared this excitement. “We are so proud to be in a town that has earned the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for 26 years and running! Not only are we surrounded by beautiful forests living here, including those within Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest, but we can cultivate our own forests, collaboratively with neighbors, right here in town.”

Allyson Ponn smiles as she makes off with a bounty of new trees at Lone Pine Day 2024.

Caring for New Trees

Along with the trees, recipients received advice on planting and caring for them. ACES and the Tree Stewards emphasized the importance of watering, mulching, and protecting the young trees from animals. They offered specific tips:

• Watering: Keeping new trees well-watered is crucial, especially if it hasn’t rained in 3 to 4 days. Each new tree needs at least a 5-gallon bucket of water regularly.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture. Avoid piling mulch against the tree trunk by creating a “donut” shape.
• Protection: Use netting, cages, or tubes to protect the young trees from deer, woodchucks, and other herbivores.

Success Stories and Future Plans

Chris Rademacher, an ACES member, followed up with new tree owners and found that many had planted their trees immediately and were seeing growth. He said, “I’m excited to report back that everyone I contacted had a successful story for me. Almost everyone ran home and planted their trees right away, which means many of them have grown significantly this Spring!”

The enthusiasm and success of these events have inspired ACES and the Tree Stewards to plan more in the future. Meanwhile, they encourage everyone to continue caring for their trees, especially as the weather warms up.

These initiatives beautify Front Royal and contribute to environmental sustainability, making the town a greener and more vibrant place to live. The community’s active participation and commitment to tree planting highlight the importance of collective efforts in preserving nature.

The following photos depict some of these successful plantings while also catching the enthusiasm that planting a new tree can bring to a family.