ALBANY, NY -- (01/05/2006; 1400)(EIS) -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that DEC's annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings is underway and will continue through May.

"This annual program provides low cost seedlings and shrubs to landowners to enhance New York's environment for future generations," Commissioner Sheehan said. "In the past, we have seen the success of this program and have been pleased with the many new stands of beautiful trees that have been planted across the State."

DEC's Saratoga Nursery produces over 48 species of trees and shrubs for planting on public and private land and will have a variety of shrubs and seedlings available, including conifers, hardwoods, container stock, and wildlife shrubs. The minimum order for conifers and wildlife shrubs is 100, for hardwoods is 25, and for container stock is 50. Mixed packets of 20 - 100 wildlife shrubs are also available for homeowners to attract wildlife.

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 shrubs provide food and shelter for birds and mammals and make a good buffer between open and forested areas. They require minimal annual care depending on species.

Landowners can get planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or private forestry consultant. The bulletin "Trees and Shrubs" is available from the Nursery (518) 581-1439 or any DEC office and contains helpful information on tree planting and a list of available species and prices.

To order seedlings, call the Saratoga Nursery weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (518) 587-1120. Call early for the best selection. Mail orders are also accepted and can be sent to the Saratoga Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Seedlings are shipped in mid April to mid May.