#Free tree seedlings how to#
#Free tree seedlings full#

Place the roots of the seedling in the hole and carefully spread them out.Dig a hole deep and wide enough to contain the tree's roots.Remove all vegetation for at least one foot around the planting spot for each seedling to reduce competition with other plants.Place seedlings in a bucket and fill with water until all roots are covered.Keep in a cool, shaded place until planting. Select a shipping date at least 3 days prior to the planting date. Shipment is by FedEx on May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, or 10th only. They are light enough for young children to carry and plant. The seedlings are 2 to 3 years old, about 4'-12' tall, and bare-root. These should be planted 6 feet apart and require only 900 square feet of open space.

Plant varieties of the same kind together, in groups, to promote pollination and fruiting. Thirty seedlings will be given to each participating organization. Mixed Shrub: A mix of wildlife habitat shrubs (most likely silky dogwood, black chokeberry, and ninebark) that are attractive to songbirds as well as a variety of other wildlife.Each needs a growing space about 10 feet in diameter. You will need 2,500 square feet of open space for the 25 seedlings. Twenty-five seedlings will be given to each participating organization. Also grows well in upland sites and reaches 60-80 feet at maturity.

#Free tree seedlings full#

Grows best in well-drained soils and prefers full sun. Red oak (Quercus rubra): Native hardwood.Each needs a growing space about 6 feet in diameter. You will need 1,800 square feet of open space for the 50 seedlings. Fifty seedlings will be given to each participating organization. Grows in clay and/or loamy soils and reaches 70 feet at maturity. White Spruce ( Picea glauca): Native, short-needled evergreen.A forester will be available to advise you on the appropriate species of trees to choose and proper planting technique. If you have questions about what species might be right for your site, contact your Regional DEC Forestry Office. Paper applications must be mailed to: DEC Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.You may also request a paper application be mailed to you by contacting the nursery at 51.

#Free tree seedlings how to#

How to apply by mail: Print, fill out and submit a paper application (PDF).

How to apply online: Fill out and submit the online application (leaves DEC website).

Limit of one application per school or organization. Please make sure you have permission to plant in your chosen location before applying. How to ApplyĪpplications must be submitted by March 31st. We encourage planting on-site so students can be responsible for the care and protection of the seedlings. Planting can be related to a wide variety of scholastic programs - it is not confined to any given subject, purpose, or age level. Limit of one application per school, homeschool group, or youth organization.

Homeschool groups, co-op, or other homeschool association, but not individual family homeschools.

Any youth education-based organization (including scout groups).

All schools located within New York State - public, private, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university.

The experience can help students make informed decisions about the conservation and use of natural resources. When students plant tree seedlings they can discover the structure and function of trees while building their awareness about conservation.Īs the trees mature, they can serve as an ongoing living laboratory for young people to learn from. “We encourage New York landowners with waterside properties to participate in DEC’s ‘Buffer in a Bag’ program to bolster our efforts to protect water quality and safeguard communities from flooding.Provide young people with a hands-on way to understand natural systems, observe their environment, and learn key vocabulary. “Small-scale streamside plantings can help decrease erosion, slow floodwaters, and protect fish and wildlife habitat,” Commissioner Seggos said. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said the seedlings can make a positive impact on the environment. The goal of the program is to have the seedlings planted near streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, and improve wildlife habitat. The 2022 application period will be open from February 10 until 3 p.m. Those interested in applying for the program can do so on the DEC website. There are 350 bags available statewide for this round of applications and recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, landowners must have a property in New York State with at least 50 feet bordering a stream, river, or lake, and provide photos or a map of the planting location. Save money this spring by planting a tree