The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Residents of Texas can ring in the New Year with five free crape myrtle trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2014.

"These small flowering trees will provide any landscape in Texas with a splash of color for much of the year," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Members will experience pink and red flowers in the spring, green foliage in the summer and a mix of red, orange and yellow during autumn."

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation's Trees for America campaign.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between Feb. 1 and April 30, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge.

Members will also receive a subscription to the Foundation's colorful bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care.

To receive the free trees, send a $10 membership contribution to 5 crape myrtles, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Jan. 31. Texas residents can also join online at arborday.org/january.