Free Trees Being Given Away In Chester

CHESTER, NJ — New Jersey is giving away 60,000 free tree seedlings to residents across the state, including residents in Chester Borough.

The free trees will be distributed on April 27 at gazebo field, across from Weichert Realtors, from 9 a.m. to noon. You don't have to be a Chester Borough resident to get a tree from this distribution location. (Live somewhere else? See a full list of distribution locations here.)

The free trees are being made available through the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign, a program run by the New Jersey Forest Service and the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation.

"Trees provide many benefits beyond beautifying our communities," said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. "Trees clean our air, fight climate change, provide habitat for wildlife, offer shade and improve the health of our environment."

The free seedling program began after Superstorm Sandy destroyed numerous trees. In the past seven years, 500,000 trees have been given out.

"While the tree seedlings stand just one to two feet tall now, with proper care they will soon grow to be powerhouses at cleaning the water we drink and air we breathe," said New Jersey Forest Service Chief Todd Wyckoff. "In urban areas where there are many pollutants, these environmental benefits are especially important."

Here are some tips from the DEP on how to plant your new seedling:

• Plant seedlings promptly to ensure they take root and thrive.
• Consider the location of where seedlings are planted and the size of trees when fully grown. Avoid planting seedlings near overhead utility lines and structures.
• Moisten roots before planting.
• Dig a hole two to three times larger than the roots when spread apart. Do not plant roots too deep or too shallow.
• Add loose soil gently, then add more soil and pack down firmly. Add water to firm the soil if necessary.
• Place wood-chip mulch around the base of the seedling.
• Water the seedling regularly but do not over-water, which can cause roots to rot.