Treefest gives seedlings to community

WILMINGTON — Friday folks had the chance to get some green, without it costing any.

Treefest drew quite a crowd to the mall. It’s an annual event that gives away up to five trees per family, of all different species — and they’re all free.

This year the organization will give away more than ten thousand seedlings to our community.

The aim is to replenish greenery in our area lost to hurricanes and development.

People lined up for the seedlings say it’s a great way to help the environment.

Hillary Hoggard received a free tree. She said, “We have our wetlands in our backyard and the last hurricane that came through, the big hurricane, it knocked down a lot of our trees. So just sticking the seedlings in, helps keep our roots and absorbs a lot of the water in our backyard.”

Organizers say now is the perfect time to plant the trees. The heat in the summer can make it difficult for a young tree to adapt to its new environment.

If you couldn’t make it to Treefest Friday the trees will also be available Saturday starting at 10 a.m. in the JC Penny wing of the Independence Mall.