Milford Tree Giveaway 2021

Milford Tree Giveaway

The City of Milford is excited to be offering 500 ready to plant trees free to Milford residents!

This event is a tribute to Kate Orecchio

Thank you for the overwhelming response and your desire to plant trees. All of the trees are currently reserved for pickup but we plan to hold similar events in the future so there will be more opportunities to get a tree.

Trees are an essential, beautiful part of our community with enormous ecological and environmental value. Trees around your home increase property value, provide shade, reduce your carbon footprint, improve air quality, and increase quality of life. Planting a tree in your yard is a family event that everyone will enjoy for generations.

Celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day by planting a tree!

 

The Following Trees Will Be Available, 1 tree per household

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Cloud 9’) - All of the dogwoods have been reserved.

  • The gorgeous Cloud 9 dogwood is both a flowering and ornamental tree. Marveled for its large, pure white flower blooms in the spring that attract butterflies. Dark green summer foliage with reddish-purple leaves in the fall. This young dogwood will flower profusely which makes it an excellent pollinator-friendly tree.
  • Available in a #3 container, 3’ tall
  • A mature tree will grow to a height of 15’-20’ with a similar spread.
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

    Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’) - All of the redbuds have been reserved.

    • The stunning eastern redbud features large, heart-shaped leaves with dark purple coloring. It will produce magnificent small rose-purple flowers in the spring. In the fall the leaves will often turn in shades of reddish-purple and orange. This pollinator-friendly tree will be a stunning addition to any yard.
    • Available in a #5 container, 4’ to 5’ tall
    • A mature tree will reach a height of 20’-30’ with a 12’-25’ spread.
    • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

      Multi-stem Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance') - All of the serviceberries have been reserved.

      • The multi-stem version of this shrublike tree will be bursting in the spring with white flowers. These are followed by red-purple berries that neighborhood birds will love. Summertime blue-green foliage transforms into beautiful red-orange in the fall. The multi-stem style of this tree will provide a safe place for birds and provide privacy. A true pollinator-friendly treat.
      • Available in a #3 container, 3’ tall
      • A mature tree will grow to about 20’-25’ with around a 20’ spread.
      • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

        Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) - All of the scarlet oaks have been reserved.

        • The fast-growing scarlet oak is a very versatile tree. Leaves are glossy deep green near the top and become paler green below. Leaves turn a beautiful scarlet red in the fall providing breathtaking foliage. An excellent tree to provide cooling shade for your home or yard.
        • Available in a #3 container, 3’ to 4’ tall
        • A mature tree will grow to a height of 60’-80’ with a 40’-50’ spread.
        • Sun Exposure: Full Sun is ideal but okay with Partial Shade

        Red Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’) - All of the red maples have been reserved.

        • This beautiful red maple cultivar gives superior fall color with clusters of small winter spring flowers. Summer green leaves turn orange-red to brilliant red in the fall. The magnificent red maple will provide excellent cooling by offering shade in the hot summer months.
        • Available in a #7 container, 6’ to 7’ tall
        • This tree will grow moderately fast and will reach a mature 45’-50’ high with a 35’-40’ spread.
        • Sun Exposure: Full Sun is ideal but okay with Partial Shade

         

        Location and Date

        This event will be held Saturday, April 24th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (rain or shine)

        The trees will be available in the lower Eisenhower parking lot.

        We will follow all state COVID guidelines by maintaining social distancing and require masks to be worn at all times.

        Due to COVID-19, this will be a drive-thru-style event to minimize contact.

         

        Eligibility

        Available to current Milford residents, please be prepared to show an ID at pickup.

        At this time all of the trees have been reserved but there will be more opportunities in the future to reserve a tree.

        Trees must be planted in private yards within the City of Milford.

        Trees must not be planted in the space between the road and sidewalk.

        Limit of 1 tree per household.

         

        Helpful Resources

        Arbor Day Foundation How to Plant Containerized Trees

        CT DEEP Tree Planting and Young Tree Maintenance

        Yale URI Importance of Root Flares - video

        Arbor Day Foundation Tree Care Tips & Techniques

        Arbor Day Foundation Right Tree, Right Place

        Nature Conservancy Healthy Tree Healthy Cities Program - video

         

        We encourage you to share photos and the story of your tree on our social media pages.

        If you have any questions about the event, please contact Jeremy Grant in the Open Space and Sustainability department.

        Office Phone: 203-878-7812

        Email: jgrant@milfordct.gov

         

        Tree Pledge & Preregistration Form:

        • I have carefully read all the instructional tree planting handouts.
        • Trees will not be planted between the sidewalk and street, on any city right-of-way or over sanitary sewer, natural gas, or electrical services, or under electrical or communication wires connecting to the home.
        • Trees should be planted away from any sidewalk or driveway to avoid future root problems that the property owner would be responsible for.
        • Trees will be planted on private property within the City of Milford and will be owned, managed, and cared for by the property owner.
        • Use Call Before You Dig, (800) 922-4455, www.cbyd.com to check for underground utilities.
        • I will plant the tree with the root flare at ground level and will not cover it with dirt or mulch.
        • Immediately after planting, I will give the tree 2-3 gallons of water. Newly planted trees require about 10 gallons of water per week until new root growth becomes established. Water slowly and at ground level. Individual soils may require more or less water. Soil should be damp, not soggy. Do not overwater as plants may drown from a lack of oxygen to their roots or develop root rot. Water until the ground freezes.   
        • Allow Tree Warden, Open Space department to monitor the tree’s survival and health.
        • If I am unable to plant the tree or am no longer able to pick up my selected tree, I will notify the Open Space and Sustainability department.