Tree Planting In Moorestown Continues Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Even though Moorestown was unable to hold its annual Arbor Day celebration due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Public Works Department was still able to plant the Arbor Day Tree and Remembrance Trees at Perkins Center for the Arts.

A popular feature of Moorestown’s Arbor Day Celebration is the distribution of free tree seedlings. Even though the seedlings were delayed, the Tree Committee announced the program will continue.

Free tree seedlings will be available to Moorestown residents as part of the New Jersey Forest Service’s New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign by the Moorestown Tree Preservation and Planting Committee.

From 9 a.m. to noon on June 6, residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at the Moorestown Library. Distribution will be done by curbside pick up at the curb in front of the library.

Five species of seedlings will be available: Cornelian Cherry, Black Walnut, Sycamore and White Oak. Just drive up, pop your trunk, let them know what type you want, and they will place them in your trunk.

If you are unable to do curbside pick up, door step delivery is available by sending an email by June 5 to the Tree Committee email address, moorestowntrees@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and the types of seedlings you want. Seedlings will be delivered June 6 and 7.

If there are any seedling remaining after June 6, they will be available at Moorestown Hardware at 300 Mill Street, Moorestown, NJ.

Seedlings, available on a first come, first served basis, come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant the trees. The guides help residents choose the right place on a property to plant a tree while keeping in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out.

“When properly planted and maintained, trees can be assets to our community,” the Tree Committee said. “They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or business district, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.”

If you have any questions, contact the Tree Committee at moorestowntrees@gmail.com.