WEST CAPE MAY — Borough homeowners are eligible to have a tree planted on their property this spring courtesy of the borough’s Shade Tree Commission.
To preserve and enhance West Cape May’s suburban forest, the commission plants 10 to 15 trees each year on private and public property. The planting is funded from the Shade Tree Commission’s tree bank and from the West Cape May Farmers Market, Tomato Festival and Lima Bean Festival.
Trees benefit the community by moderating the climate, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff and harboring wildlife. By planting trees and shrubs, homeowners can offset the effects of development by returning the environment to a more natural state.
The borough strives to maintain a 25 percent tree canopy and recent development threatens that goal.
The trees will be professionally planted. Homeowners are responsible for the watering (daily for the first two weeks, and weekly thereafter) and care for the tree after it is planted.
All trees are between 5 and 10 feet tall. Varieties available include: (smaller trees) red bud and dogwood; (medium trees) eastern red cedar and American holly; and (larger trees) red maple, sycamore, red oak, swamp white oak, willow oak and bald cypress. The last three tree species are suitable for wetter environments. Limit of one tree per property.
Those interested in receiving a tree should email [email protected] or fill out a request form at Borough Hall, 732 Broadway, by March 31. Email should include name, address, email address, phone number and the variety of tree requested.
The commission limits the number of trees available to 15 per year and will try to honor requests but cannot guarantee that the species selected will be available. Homeowners will be contacted with planting details.
A member of the Shade Tree Commission will meet at the property to determine if the location is suitable for the tree selected. Residents who are required to plant trees after removing them are not eligible for a free tree.