Free Trees Available for Homeowners and Organizations

Staten Islanders can pick up free trees at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Livingston tomorrow from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The tree giveaway, which will take place in the east parking lot, is supported by Million TreesNYC, David Rockefeller, Bloomberg Philanthropies and the New York Restoration Project. 

Any person or organization may take up to two trees as long as they are planted in any of the five boroughs. The trees cannot be used as street trees. 

"We will have staff here to help people choose trees and load them into cars," said Greg Lord, horticulturist for the botanical garden. "People taking trees must fill out a one-page agreement stating where the trees will be planted." 

Lord noted the following tree varieties will be available: Kwanzan cherries, Callery pears, Magnolias, black Tupelo and Willow Oak. 

Limited quantities of small flowering trees and larger shade trees will be available. Trees weigh approximately 30 pounds and stand 7 to 8-feet tall. 

Not sure what type of tree you want? 

Arborists will be on hand to answer questions and provide recommendations. 

Simple tree planting and care instructions come with each tree. All you need is a place to plant, a shovel and access to water. 

Trees not only help improve the curb appeal of your home, but also provide shade and reduce summer air-conditioning costs. 

MillionTreesNYC is a citywide, public-private initiative that recognizes the benefits trees provide New York City’s residents, neighborhoods and environment. The goal of the initiative is to plant and care for 1 million new trees across the City’s five boroughs by 2017. 

Information from the Staten Island Advance:

http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2010/04/free_trees_available_for_homeo.html