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Leesburg commission plans fall and spring tree giveaways; vendor and locations under review
Summary
Commissioners discussed sourcing trees, event locations (Heritage vs. Bridal), and logistics for fall and spring giveaways after reviewing prior purchases and carryovers.
Members of the Leesburg Tree Commission discussed logistics for upcoming fall and spring tree giveaway events, vendor choices and locations for distribution.
Town staff reported past orders and carryovers from previous giveaways and said a prior purchase of nursery stock had been invoiced to Clear Ridge Nursery for $4,600. Melissa said the town had used trees from that purchase in spring plantings at Heritage High School and that the town had ordered species including pawpaws and Pagoda dogwoods for past events.
Commissioners said they want to select species that are small, native and easy for homeowners to plant and maintain. Members noted last year’s giveaways were very popular, and staff recalled that trees distributed at the Flower & Garden Festival and a follow‑up event were claimed quickly.
On locations, members discussed whether to hold the fall giveaway at Bridal (a previously used park/site) rather than at Heritage High School. Staff and commissioners also agreed that parade and holiday schedules — including Halloween and other town events — should be avoided when selecting a weekend. A member offered to coordinate dates with Parks & Recreation and to check the parks calendar before finalizing an event date.
Procurement and vendors: Commissioners discussed opportunities to compare vendors and prices. Melissa said she would pull procurement records and the purchase order for the prior Clear Ridge Nursery order so the commission could compare quotes and negotiate for future events.
Why it matters: The giveaways are a primary outreach tool for the commission to boost canopy coverage and engage residents. Staff said the tree bank allocation budget could cover future giveaways if grant funding does not materialize.
Next steps: Staff will prepare a preliminary species list and timing recommendations for the commission ahead of the next meeting; commissioners volunteered to draft a shortlist of preferred tree species and to confirm possible weekend dates with Parks & Recreation.
