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POMPTON LAKES - Free shade trees available to residents
(by Leslie Scott - Staff Writer - September 16, 2008)
POMPTON LAKES - Want more shade? The Shade Tree Commission has 35 trees available to any resident that would like to have one planted for free.
For the second year in a row, the commission was provided with 75 trees from the New Jersey Tree Foundation.
Many of the first rounds of trees were planted in Hershfield Park near the playground equipment.
With this second round, Commission Member Debbie Stankiewicz said letters were sent out to residents along streets that the commission deemed needed trees the most.
“We targeted Ramapo Avenue this year. We are hoping to restore it. Ramapo Avenue was once like going through a tunnel in the summer and now a lot of trees have come down and they haven’t been replaced,” she said.
The letter asked if residents wanted a tree, and if they did they would only be asked to keep it watered.
“We don’t want to plant the tree and let it die,” said Stankiewicz.
About 35 trees remained unclaimed and anyone interested can contact the commission at borough hall.
There are a variety of trees that are available. Compact and flowering tress are planted in tight planting locations between curbs and sidewalks and under wires. Larger growing trees will be planted in more open unobstructed locations.
“If the residents have a preference, we will try to accommodate them,” said Stankiewicz.
She said residents can suggest what kind of tree they would like, but the arborist generally determines what tree is best suited for an area.
The trees that are available this year include the hedge maple, the autumn flowering cherry, the thundercloud plum, the chanticleer pear, the hardy rubber tree, the October glory red maple and the skyline honeylocust.
This second round of trees is expected to arrive in early October and the New Jersey Tree Federation will do the plantings, Stankiewicz said.
Anyone interested in obtaining a tree can contact the Shade Tree Commission at 973-835-0143 ext. 306.
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