1,000 free trees to be given away in New Hanover County this Saturday
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Residents in New Hanover County will have an opportunity to take home free native trees this weekend as part of an effort to restore tree canopy in the Murrayville community.
The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, in partnership with New Hanover County, will distribute 1,000 native canopy trees Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Murrayville Elementary School, located at 225 Mabee Way.
The giveaway is part of an initiative to increase shade, reduce extreme heat and improve environmental conditions in one of the county’s least-shaded neighborhoods.
Who can receive a free tree?
Murrayville residents will receive priority access to the giveaway from 9 to 11 a.m. Proof of a Murrayville address will be required during that time.
Beginning at 11 a.m., any remaining trees will be available to all New Hanover County residents.
Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Residents will be able to choose from five native canopy tree species:
- Southern live oak
- American elm
- Black cherry
- Red maple
- Southern magnolia
The trees were selected for their ability to grow large canopies and adapt to southeastern North Carolina’s climate.
Addressing heat and lack of shade
According to the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, Murrayville has the lowest tree canopy coverage in New Hanover County, with only about 13% of the community covered by tree canopy.
The organization says a healthy suburban community should ideally have between 30% and 40% tree canopy coverage.
Tree Equity Score data cited by the Alliance also indicates Murrayville experiences a heat disparity of 13.3 degrees Fahrenheit associated with its limited tree coverage.
“Murrayville has the lowest tree canopy coverage in New Hanover County,” said Isabelle Shepherd, executive director of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees. “Right now, only about 13% of the community is shaded by tree canopy, when a healthy suburban community should ideally have closer to 30–40%.”
The organization says planting large shade trees can help reduce neighborhood temperatures, improve air quality, limit stormwater runoff and provide habitat for wildlife.
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce encouraged families to participate.
“Murrayville is a neighborhood of big yards and deep roots, and it is exactly the kind of place where a tree planted today makes a difference for generations,” Pierce said.
Planting guidance available
The giveaway will also include educational opportunities to help residents select and care for their trees.
Volunteers, certified arborists and trained Tree Stewards will be available to provide guidance on tree placement, planting techniques and long-term maintenance.
Educational materials and planting demonstrations will also be offered.
Organizers recommend reviewing the available tree species ahead of time to determine which type is best suited for each property.
Event details
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last
- Location: Murrayville Elementary School
- Address: 225 Mabee Way, Wilmington
- Cost: Free
- 9–11 a.m.: Priority for Murrayville residents with proof of address
- After 11 a.m.: Open to all New Hanover County residents while supplies last
The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees will unload the 1,000 trees Friday afternoon in preparation for the giveaway.
For more information about the available tree species and their planting requirements, visit the official website.
