Oak Tree Seedling Giveaway

To celebrate out nation's 250 anniversary, Growing Native Hablitats 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 and Plum 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.  Send us an email as noted below to adopt your future legacy tree.

HOW TO GET A FREE SEEDLING TREE

1.  Which species are currently available?

Red oaks

Pin oaks  

American plum

2.  How to reserve a tree?

Please fill out the adoption form below, noting your species preference, and email it to growingnativegardenslb@gmail.com.  Or simply email your name, address, email address and number of saplings with your preferred species.  Your tree will be reserved for you and you will be contacted with instructions for pick-up when they are distributed.

Or visit the Growing Native table at the Lake Bluff Farmer's Market on alternate Fridays, June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31, August 14 and August 28.  You may see a few of the saplings there and submit an adoption form at the table.

3.  When will the trees be distributed?

The best time to plant the saplings will be September or later.  So while it will be possible to claim your baby tree now, we plan to distribute them in early fall, the ideal season for planting trees.

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.

5.  What special care will be required?

Plan to give your young tree a heavy watering once a week if there is little rain for two years 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.

ADOPTION FORM