This swamp chestnut oak is one of three giant trees within 50 yards of each other in Huntley Meadows Park in the Alexandria area. The others are a pin oak and another swamp chestnut oak.

Planting an oak tree is the easiest thing you can do if you want to celebrate Arbor Day or Earth Day, or just increase your home value, reduce energy bills and help control flooding.

Mayor Allison Silberberg and Dr. Richard T. Olsen, director of the National Arboretum which donated the Swamp Chestnut Oak to the city, plant it in Oronoco Bay Park on Monday, Sept. 19.

Of the 25 oak species native to our area, only about 10 may be found at local garden centers. News Sports Entertainment Opinion Email Us Advertise Obituaries eNewspaper Legals. HOME & GARDEN.