Oak Tree Seedling Giveaway

To celebrate out nation's 250 anniversary, Growing Native Habitats Lake Bluff is giving away 250 trees.  These young trees will grow to be the Witness Trees for future generations because planting a sapling is the best way to grow a long-lived tree.

Oak trees are considered keystone species because they support the existence of hundreds of other species, including mammals, birds, insects, fungi, plants, and even reptiles and amphibians. They provide food, shelter, and habitat for many creatures, and some species rely exclusively on oak trees for survival. 

Be part of this natural world by planting the next generation of trees.  Stop by our table at the Farmer's Market to adopt your future legacy tree on alternating Fridays.  See the dates below.

HOW TO GET A FREE SEEDLING TREE

1.  Which species are currently available?

Red oaks

Pin oaks

2.  How to reserve a tree?

Visit the Growing Native table at the Lake Bluff Farmer's Market where we will have saplings available to take home with you.  The table is at the market on alternate Fridays.  Planned dates for tree distribution are July 31, August 14 and August 28.   We will not hand out trees on July 17 because of the hot weather coming then.  If we still have trees available, we will add September 11 and 25 to the giveaway schedule.

3.  Be ready to plant and care for your tree sapling.

Young trees need a lot of water so when we don't get much rain, provide a good soaking at least once a week.  They will need regular watering for two year after planting.  You will not need to fertilize it.  To control weeds and protect the tree from mower damage, you can put mulch around the tree as long as the mulch doesn't touch the trunk.  Protection from damage from browsing animals may be needed if rabbits or deer enter your yard.

4.  How to plan a good location for the new tree?

Your tree will be a native species that grows well in our soil as long as the area is not extremely wet.  The location should receive several hours of sun so that the tree will not grow too slowly.  However, trees can be planted closer to each other than often thought, much as they grow together in forests.