The Vineland Environmental Commission will give away tree seedlings on Saturday, April 6, as part of the New Jersey Forest Service’s Tree Recovery Campaign. From 9 a.m., until supplies run out on, residents will be able to get up to five free tree seedlings at this drive-through event in the parking lot at 1199 E. Park Avenue (corner of Main Road).

Seedlings will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and will come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant the trees. 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.

The Tree Recovery Campaign has distributed over 828,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over the course of 11 years. With tropical storms and the damage caused by several new invasive insects, the state needs more new tree seedlings than ever before.

“When properly planted and maintained, trees can be assets to a community,” said Vineland Environmental Commission Chair Diane Amico. “They improve the visual appeal of our neighborhoods and business districts, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.”

Anyone with questions about the program can contact Diane Amico at 856-794-4000, ext. 4234, or by e-mail at [email protected].