Ashland introduces free TREE project to enhance water quality, green spaces

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The town of Ashland launched a free community tree initiative on Monday, providing free trees to eligible property owners and educational outreach on planting and tree care.

On Monday, Jan. 5, the town of Ashland in Hanover County announced it has been awarded funding through the Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant program, an initiative of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

“We’re incredibly excited about the TREE Project and the opportunity to invest in a healthier, greener Ashland,” said Hope Becker, Community Development Specialist for the Town of Ashland. “This grant helps us expand our tree canopy and deepen our commitment to sustainability in a way that benefits the entire community.”

The award will support the launch of the Ashland TREE project (Teaching Responsible Earth Education), which is an effort to plant 100 trees on residential and commercial properties throughout town for free.

The town will provide free trees for eligible property owners on a first-come, first-served basis, educational outreach on planting, watering and tree care and partnerships with James River Nurseries and Tree Diaper and landscape professionals, to support long-term tree health, per a release.

Those interested in applying can do so through the town's website. Town staff will start contacting recipients starting Monday, Jan. 12, to coordinate planting dates.

Town officials said tree planting will be scheduled in partnership with James River Nurseries and the recipients.