Reston cluster associations, HOAs and nonprofits have until Friday, Oct. 30 to apply for free 8-to-10-foot native trees through a Fairfax County program that targets neighborhoods with thin tree cover and higher flood risk.

The county's Urban and Community Forestry Division, led by director Brian Keightley, is accepting applications for its fall 2026 tree distribution program, now in its third consecutive season. Any community-based organization in Fairfax County can apply, but the division will prioritize planting sites in or near neighborhoods scored as "highly vulnerable" under the county's One Fairfax Vulnerability Index, a measure based on income, education, English-speaking ability and homeownership rates.

The Herndon-to-Hybla Valley corridor, which includes parts of Reston, falls within that priority zone. Those areas tend to have more pavement, less canopy and higher temperatures, according to FFXnow.

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services said in its program announcement that the effort focuses on increasing tree cover in economically disadvantaged communities that do not benefit from moderate to high canopy.

All organizations are encouraged to apply regardless of location.

What you get

Trees are professionally grown, regionally native, non-invasive species. Each measures 1.5 to 2 inches in caliper, stands 8 to 10 feet tall and weighs approximately 130 to 150 pounds. Casey Trees, a D.C.-based nursery, delivers them on Fridays through Nov. 20 to a single location designated in the application.

The county covers all costs through its Tree Preservation and Planting Fund, established by the Board of Supervisors. Organizations pay nothing.

Who qualifies

Volunteer groups, civic associations, faith-based organizations and nonprofits can all apply. Planting areas must be on private property, at least 8 feet wide, with a 4-foot gap from barriers to allow growth.

The Sideburn Run Recreation Association received trees through the program in fall 2025.

Why it matters locally

Fairfax County's climate plan calls for expanding tree canopy from 55% to 60% countywide by 2030, with a floor of 40% coverage in every census tract. Only 65.7% of census tracts currently meet that threshold. The county estimates its existing trees intercept 7.3 billion gallons of rainfall annually, avoiding 945 million gallons of stormwater runoff and saving $8.4 million in mitigation costs.

For Reston communities along the Herndon corridor that face heat and flooding pressure, additional canopy is a direct infrastructure benefit.

How to apply

Applications and full details, including available species and planting guidelines, are posted on the county's tree distribution program page. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 30. Deliveries run on Fridays through Friday, Nov. 20.