Last Call For Free Trees In Morris Co. For 2024 Tree Recovery Program

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — With warm weather in the forecast this weekend, it could be a perfect time for being out in the garden — and if you haven't picked up free tree saplings yet from the state Forest Service, Friday is your last chance to do so in Morris County.

The Community Tree Recovery Program provides residents with seedlings to help re-establish neighborhood trees in places that have had trees die from floods, storms, or insect-related diseases. People may pick up five young trees to plant, no matter where they live in the county or state.

State forestry officials are encouraging neighbors to pick up free tree seedlings to help re-populate areas that have lost trees due to storms or flooding, and to beautify neighborhoods in the Garden State.

And, planting new trees will help provide shade, filter out pollutants, and provide wildlife habitats in the years to come.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township will have a giveaway at 10 a.m. Friday at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Morris County is hosting one, too, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Scherer Pavilion, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown.

Each giveaway location may have a variety of tree species based on what will grow best in the region — Morris County residents might receive persimmon and red oak trees, for example. It's recommended that you plant the trees within two days, to keep roots from drying out.

The events are run by the individual town, not the Forest Service — though the state agency has been publicizing the events and provides trees from their nursery. Every municipality in the state was allowed to apply for free trees, the Forest Service said.

Friday is the last date listed for giveaways in Morris County, but there are others going on through the end of April and even into May in some parts of New Jersey.