For Release: Tuesday, February 19, 2008

DEC'S Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale Underway

Free Tree Seedlings Available to Schools

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 over 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. The minimum order for conifers and wildlife shrubs is 100, for hardwoods 25, and for container stock 50. Mixed packets of 30 - 100 wildlife shrubs are also available for homeowners to attract wildlife.

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.

Landowners can get planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or private forestry consultant. The bulletin "Trees and Shrubs" is available from the nursery (518) 581-1439 or any DEC office and contains helpful information on tree planting and a list of available species and prices.

Schools across the state can receive free seedlings for spring planting through the program. The program provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any school that would like to participate. The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community space. Teachers and students are encouraged to plan the project ahead of time by discussing the values trees contribute to the environment to determine the objectives of the planting such as erosion control, wildlife enhancement, windbreak and other conservation practices.

Planting 50 seedlings will require approximately 1,800 square feet, while the shrub planting will require about half that space.

To order seedlings, call Saratoga Nursery Seedling Stock Ordering, weekdays between 8am and 4:30pm at (518) 587-1120. Call early for best selection. Mail orders are also accepted and can be sent to the Saratoga Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Orders may be placed through the month of April. Seedlings are shipped in mid April to mid May. For participating schools, orders must be received at the nursery by March 31. Schools should contact the Nursery, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office and request a School Seedling brochure that contains all the information necessary to place an order.