Free Trees In Horsham Hurricane Ida Replacement Project

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —When Hurricane Ida hit Horsham two years ago, a tornado ripped through the township, turning over trees and leaving a path of devastation for residents and their properties.

And while numerous trees were lost in the storm, township officials are hoping residents can replace them.

On Saturday, Horsham Township will hold its Hurricane IDA Tree Replacement Program allowing residents whose property suffered tree damage or removal to receive a free replacement tree.

The township will give away one tree per property at the Township Complex on Horsham Road between 9 a.m. and Noon on Saturday. The event is rain or shine.

Horsham Township has also distributed more than $400,000 through its Hurricane Ida relief efforts for residents and businesses that sustained damage during the storm.

There will be eight different types of tree species available. The trees range from 4 feet to 6 feet tall with a 14-inch ball.

Township officials ask that residents bring the proper vehicle and supplies to transport the tree. Tarps, trash bags, or blankets for debris inside vehicles are also recommended. If the tree does not entirely fit inside your vehicle, please bring something to wrap the tree and cover the branches to protect the leaves and buds. Bungee cords, rope, or straps to secure the trees are also suggested.

Tree protection will also be offered. Depending on the tree species, a trunk cage or trunk tube will be given out free of charge.

Information on planting and care for your tree will be available when you pick up your tree and on the township's website.

Volunteers will be on-site checking resident IDs, ensuring that the property requesting a tree was in the path of the hurricane.

The eight species of trees are:

• Linden (Tilia Americana)
• Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum)
• Sycamore (Platanus Occidentalis)
• Willow Oak (Quercus Phellos)
• Scarlet Oak (Quercus Coccinea)
• Fruitless Sweetgum *seedless (Liquidambar Styraciflua ‘Rotundiloba’)
• Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia Virginiana)
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis (MS))