City of Rocky Mount to give away plum trees

According to Kirk Brown, director of communications, marketing and public relations for Rocky Mount, the giveaway American plum trees will be from March 6 to March 8.

The trees will be distributed between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m in the lobby of the Business Services Center at 224 South Franklin Street. Officials are asking people coming to pick up the trees to use the Nash Street entrance.

"Besides growing delicious fruit, planting these trees on the south and west sides of homes can save energy by creating shade in the summer and allowing sunlight to provide additional warmth in the winter," Brown said in a statement.

The giveaway is limited to two trees per person.

Before planting the trees, people will need to call 811 three business days before digging so utility lines can be marked on their property.