600 Live Trees donated by Christmas Tree Shops to Union County

The County of Union has received a donation of 600 live arborvitae trees from the Christmas Tree Shops to be distributed throughout county parks and other areas.

“The Freeholder Board would like to thank the Christmas Tree Shops for their generous donation of arborvitae trees,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These trees are beneficial to residents, the environment, and the wildlife that calls this county home.”

Trees will be planted in various areas throughout Union County, including Conant Park in Hillside, Wheeler Park in Linden, Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, Green Brook Park in Plainfield, and Rahway River Park in Rahway.

The arborvitae tree is a type of evergreen that keeps its foliage all year round. Arborvitae trees have many benefits but are commonly used to create privacy fences due to their extreme height, sometimes growing as fast as three feet per year. Once mature these trees can grow as tall as 60 feet.

Arborvitae trees also provide many benefits for wildlife, providing nesting space for birds as well as a food source through seeds for animals such as rabbits, birds, squirrels, and deer.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable.