Contributed image

Over 100 trees will be given away to residents of Washington.

The Washington Tree Committee’s annual tree giveaway will be held May 5th with a variety of tree species available, one per residence. There will be pawpaw trees, persimmon trees, sweet bay magnolia, sassafras, four types of oak, and white pines. Tree Committee member Andy Dahl says it is important to have a diversity when it comes to tree species in the city, “One of the things that we found out over the years, whether it was Dutch Elm Disease in the 60’s and 70’s or Emerald Ash Borer right now, when you have too many of one species diseases or insects can attack leaving a lot of lawn, you know, not much shade. So what we’re trying to do is have different species, you won’t have all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak.” The recent tree survey of the city showed many maples were already in town.

The trees will be in pots and can be taken home to be planted. The tree giveaway starts at 8 a.m. May 5th on the east side of the square in downtown Washington, and Dahl recommends getting there early as the trees are usually gone in about 10 minutes.

Those who get a tree are encouraged to call Iowa One Call to have any underground utilities marked before digging a hole, and Dahl also recommends you look up to steer clear of power lines. The event is funded in part by the Washington, Iowa Betterment Foundation.