ROCKY MOUNT — The city’s Tree Advisory Board is set to give away free Southern crabapple tree seedlings on March 1.

The distribution, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be held at drive-thru exit of the Business Services Center on South Franklin Street.

The limit is two trees per person while supplies last, said Amy Blanton, the city’s energy resources communications coordinator.

The Southern crabapple is a small, deciduous tree that grows 20-30 feet tall and produces small apples about 1 inch in diameter. The apples can be used for jelly, preserves and cider.

Low-growing trees suitable for planting near power lines are given away each year to beautify Rocky Mount and to promote proper planting, Blanton said.

“Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of the home can also help save energy,” Blanton said. “Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, so they provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight to warm the home in the winter.”

Residents are reminded to first call 811 at least three business days before planting trees so underground utilities can be located. Even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists. 

The national call-before-you-dig number, 811, is free of charge for all excavators.

For more information about the annual tree giveaway, call 252-467-4800.