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Fairfax County residents can now request up to two free trees as local officials work to expand the county’s uneven tree canopy and bring more shade to areas such as central Tysons.

The one-gallon trees are available online on a first-come, first-served basis through a partnership between the county and the Arbor Day Foundation. Each order will be delivered to the resident’s home with stakes and protective shelters.

Trees currently cover about 55% of Fairfax County, including forests and neighborhood plantings. That surpasses coverage in smaller nearby jurisdictions such as Herndon, Arlington County and Alexandria, but the distribution varies sharply.

Some urban census tracts, including central Tysons, have little or no tree coverage. Canopy levels exceed 60% in more rural communities and areas with substantial parkland, including Mason Neck and Great Falls.

Fairfax County’s Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2021, calls for increasing overall tree canopy coverage to 60% by 2030. The plan also sets a goal of at least 40% coverage in every census tract by 2030 and 50% by 2050. About 65.7% of the county’s census tracts currently meet the 40% target.

Since adopting the plan, the county has planted trees at locations identified as heat islands and strengthened planting requirements along streets and in parking lots. County staff also updated development guidelines last year to place greater emphasis on native and resilient species.

Trees can provide shade and natural beauty while reducing energy costs, stormwater runoff and carbon emissions.

“This program makes it easy for Fairfax County residents to take meaningful climate action right in their own yards,” Urban and Community Forestry Division Director Brian Keightley said. “By planting trees today, we’re investing in cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, and long-term energy savings for our community.”

Residents who miss the home-delivery giveaway will have another opportunity when the Burke Farmers Market opens for the season April 18.

The Fairfax County Tree Commission plans to distribute seedlings while supplies last from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burke Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak Station, 5671 Roberts Parkway. Available varieties will include black gum, red oak, willow oak, sweetbay magnolia and eastern redbud.

Tree Commission experts will be at the market to answer questions and offer planting guidance.