Tree Planting In Howell Replaces One Lost In Tornado, Storms

HOWELL, NJ — Just in time for Earth Day, which is Saturday, a Norway spruce was planted by township public works staff at Alfred C. Sauer Park at Echo Lake.

The tree replaces one that was broken during the recent tornado and storms that hit part of Howell and surrounding communities earlier this month.

Howell Department of Public Works employees did their part to promote Earth Day's 2023 theme "Invest In Our Planet" with the big job of planting the tree.

And there is more Earth Day activity.

Howell Township’s Shade Tree Commission will be giving away tree saplings on Saturday for residents from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. while supplies last, also at Alfred C. Sauer Park. The park is at 1225 Maxim Southard Road.

Seedlings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each sapling will also come with instructions on how to store, care for and plant trees.

Residents should plant the seedlings within two days in order to prevent the roots from drying out, the township says.

"When properly planted and maintained, trees can be assets to a community," Howell Township said in a statement. "They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or business district, increase property values, reducing home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits."