May. The program offers low-cost planting materials and is designed to encourage landowners to enhance New York's environment. DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery produces more than 30 species of trees and shrubs, many native to New York, for planting on public and private land. The minimum order is 100 seedlings which require approximately one quarter acre of planting space. A mixed packet of 20 wildlife shrubs is available for homeowners to attract song birds to their yards. Species should be selected based on soil type at the planting site.
Conifers transplant easily from the nursery to the field and require minimum care after planting.
Hardwood varieties are more difficult to establish and require annual care after planting. Wildlife species provide food and shelter for birds and mammals, and make a good buffer between open and forested areas. Landowners can obtain planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or from a private forestry consultant. 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Seedlings are shipped in late April.