SELCO’s 22nd Annual Arbor & Earth Day Celebration!
This year marks our 22nd Annual Arbor and Earth Day Celebration. We are thrilled to offer 500 locally purchased native trees for our community giveaway!* These trees are perfectly adapted to thrive right here in our Massachusetts soil.
*Trees are reserved only for SELCO Customers, first come first serve. Must show a SELCO bill or proof of residency. One per family.
This year, we are offering the following four native varieties of 500 native bare-root trees (ranging from 18″–24″ tall):
🌸 Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Known for its creamy white flowers and sweet, vanilla-like fragrance. This is an elegant choice for smaller yards and loves moist soil.
- Advantages & Uses: Flood Tolerant, Flowering Tree, Street Tree
- Height: Small, 10-30 ft. tall
- Growth Preferences: acidic, moist soils and full sun
🍒 Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
A powerhouse for local wildlife! This tree produces beautiful spring blooms and provides essential fruit for birds in the late summer
- Advantages & Uses: Wildlife Powerhouse (supports 450+ species), Pollinator Magnet, Shade Tree
- Height: Large, 50–80 ft. tall
- Growth Preferences: Well-drained soils, intolerant of shade; prefers full sun
🌳 Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
A fast-growing shade tree with a unique “pyramidal” shape. Its lower branches gracefully droop, creating a distinct silhouette in the landscape.
- Advantages & Uses: Invasive Bug Resistant, Provides for Wildlife, Drought Tolerant, Shade Tree, Rain Garden Planting Option
- Height: Large, 55-80 ft. tall, 40-55 ft. wide
- Growth Preferences: moist, acidic soils and full sun
🍂 Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
The classic New England stalwart. This hardy tree is known for its strength, longevity, and the brilliant russet-red colors it brings to our autumns.
- Advantages & Uses: Invasive Bug Resistant, Provides for Wildlife, Drought Tolerant, Shade Tree
- Height: Large, 60-80 ft. tall, 40-65 ft. wide
- Growth Preferences: well drained, acidic, sandy soils and full sun to partial sun
💡 Did you know? Planting a native tree is great for our local ecosystem, and if planted in the right place, it can also help save you energy and money by providing natural shade and wind protection!
https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/planting-right-tree-right-place
Fun for the Whole Family
It’s not just about the trees, it’s about our community! We’ve gathered local groups to share resources on earth-friendly living, home composting, and local sustainability efforts.
Kids’ Activities: Visit the various booths for hands-on kids activities, games, crafts, and giveaways.
Animal Adventures Show: Don’t miss the Animal Adventure Show at 11:00 AM! It’s an interactive way for kids (and adults!) to meet some amazing creatures!
Plan Your Visit
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: In front of Shrewsbury Town Hall (100 Maple Ave).
Rain Plan: In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the Senior Center at 98 Maple Ave.
Learn More
Learn more about planting and caring for trees in our community by visiting these local resources:
Shrewsbury Forestry Commission: Learn about planting guidelines, the environmental impact of trees in our community, and the tree bylaws.
- Trees & Electricity Brochure: Learn safety tips, tree trimming practices, and how to plant the right tree in the right place.