MANALAPAN – Free seedlings will be available to Manalapan residents during May as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign. This program helps communities replace trees that were damaged or destroyed by superstorm Sandy in 2012, according to a press release.
From 9-11 a.m. May 7, residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at the Kuschick Pavilion in the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522. Seedlings, which are available on a first come, first served basis, come with instructions on how to store, care for and plant them.
The guides help residents 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, according to the press release.
The goal of the Tree Recovery Campaign is to distribute more than 500,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over the next five years. It is a joint effort between Manalapan, the New Jersey State Forest Service, the New Jersey soil conservation districts, Sustainable Jersey, the Arbor Day Foundation, Brothers International, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and FedEx.
When properly planted and maintained, trees can be assets to a community. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or business district, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among other benefits, according to the press release.
For more information, visit [email protected]