One free tree giveaway is a good deal. But a second chance to get free trees is twice as nice. The Waterbury-LaSalle Community Association’s tree giveaway last spring was such a success that a second giveaway is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 25.
The giveaway, which allows residents to take home up to two saplings for their own planting, is being held in conjunction with Million Trees NYC, an effort to plant 1,000,000 trees around the city by 2017.
About 150 free trees should be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck.
The giveaway will offer a variety of different species, and homeowners may plant the trees anywhere on their properties.
While the exact species of trees have yet to be determined, organizer Mary Jane Musano believes that among them will be some that are smaller, along with some that which grow much bigger, such as oaks or maple.
Musano said that she was surprised by the success of the giveway held in April.
“The reaction to this been excitement, which surprised me, because when we asked people to plant street trees it was like pulling teeth,” Musano said.
“I think that they are concerned that a tree planted along the street could lift up the sidewalk, and the city has such a small sidewalk repair program. But we need more trees in the neighborhood, whether they are street trees or on private property.”
Musano said that many residents have “jumped at the chance” to have a street tree in their front, back, or side yards. Musano added that while the tree giveaway may be smaller the second time around, the temperate weather in the fall is perfect for planting trees.
“I understand from the people at Million Trees NYC that generally speaking, turnouts for events like these is smaller in the fall,” Musano said. “In reality, the fall is the best time to plant trees because it is not as hot, and the trees can take root before the winter.”
Million Trees NYC is a project held in conjunction with the Parks Department and the NY Restoration Project. Parks will plant 60% of the trees in parks, while 40% of the trees will be planted by homeowners, community organizations, and non-profits.
