Berkeley Handing Out Free Tree Seedlings on Saturday

BERKELEY – Free tree seedlings provided by the state Department of Environmental Protection will be handed out from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Township Recreation Center on Saturday, Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr. said.

The DEP program is aimed at assisting municipalities repopulate damaged or lost trees.

“We are pleased to be able to participate in this program once again, to help residents replace trees, for free.” Amato said.

Seedlings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Instruction guides will be available from the DEP on how to store, care for, and plant them. The guide will also help residents to choose the right place on a property to plant a tree, while keeping in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future.

Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out. The Recreation Center is located at 630 Route 9 in Bayville.

"The seedlings, which are about two to three feet high when distributed, should be planted promptly to ensure they take root and thrive," State Forester John Sacco said. "Residents should be mindful of their planting site's surroundings by avoiding overhead utility lines and proximity to structures in case of storms, and considering the size of the tree when fully grown."

To find seedling distribution locations and dates, as well as additional information about trees, visit the State Forest Service Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests, or go to www.forestry.nj.gov. For more information, visit: www.forestnursery.org or call (732) 928-0029.

"We encourage residents to participate in this program. Stop by on the 15th and pick up free seedlings." Amato said.

Image: Patch file photo.