Forest Hills lives up to its name with tree giveaway

  • 2015-05-08
Around 200 trees will be available for planting by Forest Hills residents who show up to select their free trees on the assigned day.

The New York Restoration Project will continue its annual tree giveaway project by this year offering amateur arborists their choice of five species of trees, including dawn redwood, American elm, fringe tree, yellowwood, and red buckeye.

Choices for past tree giveaways have included tulip, magnolia, and black gum, and organizers feel that this year’s choices will add to the diversity of tree species within the community.

Since its inception in 2011 this event will, including this year’s giveaway, have provided around 1,250 free trees to Forest Park residents. Future homes for the trees will be mostly in residential yards, but some are expected to find their way onto commercial properties, schoolyards, and adjacent to apartment buildings (with management’s permission).

With the assistance of brochure printers, literature detailing the care and unique requirements of each species can assist those planting and tending the trees to see them grow to maturity.

The tree give away will take place on May 17 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at MacDonald Park. Residents can go to Treegiveaways.com to reserve a tree in advance, or they can register at the event. Those who wait until May 17 will receive trees on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.