Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the March 2008 issue
Shrub and Tree Seedling Sale
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings is underway and will continue through May. DEC's Saratoga Nursery produces more than 50 species of trees and shrubs, many native to New York, for planting on public and private land. The objective of the program is to provide low-cost planting material to encourage landowners to enhance New York's environment for future generations.
DEC produces the seedlings for distribution to the public
The minimum order for conifers and wildlife shrubs is 100, for hardwoods, 25 and for container stock, 50. Mixed packets of 30 to 100 shrubs for attracting wildlife also are available to homeowners. Species should be selected based on soil type at the planting site. Conifers transplant easily from the nursery to the field and require minimum care after planting. Hardwood varieties are more difficult to establish and require annual care after planting. Wildlife species such as witch hazel and red osier dogwood provide food and shelter for birds and mammals and make a good buffer between open and forested areas.
Orders from Homeowners
Homeowners should call Saratoga Nursery at 518-587-1120 on weekdays between 8 AM and 4:30 PM to place their orders. Call early for the best selection. Mail orders also are accepted and can be sent to the Saratoga Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Orders may be placed throughout the month of April, and shipments will be made from mid-April to mid-May.
Homeowners can get planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or private forestry consultant. The bulletin Trees and Shrubs is available from the nursery by calling 518-581-1439 or from any DEC office. It contains helpful information on tree planting and a list of available species and prices.
Free Seedlings and Shrubs for Schools
Through this program, schools across the state can receive free seedlings for spring planting. Any school that would like to participate is entitled to 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to plant on school grounds or other community space. Teachers and students are encouraged to plan their projects by considering how trees contribute to the environment through erosion control, wildlife enhancement, windbreak and other ways. This will help determine whether seedlings or shrubs best suit their objectives. Fifty tree seedlings will require approximately 1,800 square feet, while the shrubs will require about half that amount of space. Orders from schools must be received at the nursery by March 31. Schools should contact the nursery or the nearest DEC regional forestry office to request a School Seedling brochure, which contains all the information necessary to place an order.
