Tree Saplings Still Available for Twp. Residents

Even if you missed the three classes for the sapling sale, Chatham Township residents can still attend classes in Gilette to learn how to choose and care for young sapling trees.

"We are encouraging all those who want saplings to attend one of the comparable classes in Long Hill Township," Mike Kelly of the Chatham Township Environmental Commission said.

There will be one more class at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Long Hill Township Hall on 915 Valley Rd. in Gilette.

"Otherwise, people can attend the tree distribution day on Saturday, April 20, from 8 a.m. to noon and, after getting some information on tree selection and care, can order trees while supplies last," Kelly said.

About 175 people attended the first three classes in Chatham Township and ordered about 260 trees so far.

The commission ordered 400 trees for residents to use to replace trees damaged or felled in superstorm Sandy.

Each sapling costs between $25 and $30, depending on the breed. The commission ordered nine different varieties ideal for different topographies in Chatham.

Trees will be available for pickup from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20 at the Long Hill Township Department of Public Works, 163 South Warren Ave. in Stirling. Additional purchases are welcome on April 20 while supplies last.

The commission teamed up with the Morris County Soil Conservation District to buy the saplings wholesale and offer them to residents.

"The intent is to help our local residents not just replace the trees, but also educate them about what trees logically should be planted where, so we don't get the damage to the wires, the damage to the homes, the trees falling on the roads that we all saw after Hurricane Sandy," Kelly said.

Arborists will be present at the meetings to help residents learn how to select the proper tree for their property and how to plant and care for the trees. All trees are about five ft. tall, bare-root saplings that can be managed by residents.

Trees will be distributed in late April. If there are trees left over, residents can come to the distribution sale to buy trees.

Investors Bank provided a grant to help purchase the saplings. The bank has a statewide program to help New Jersey residents recover from Sandy.

Chatham Township has an ordinance which requires at least 16 trees per acre.