A program to restore trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer

The ROOT program is a partnership initiative between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, DTE Energy Foundation, USDA Forest Service, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan's Governor's Office.

Objectives of the ROOT Program:

• Provide homeowners potted trees (5-8' tall) at a reduced cost to replace trees that have been lost due to the EAB infestation. All residents in the 21 contiguous EAB quarantined counties are eligible to participate. Click here for map of the program area that includes Local Partners.
• Create investment through cost-share; by offering the trees to homeowners at half the price, the program is both affordable and encourages homeowners to care for their investment.
• Encourage tree species diversity in the Michigan communities impacted by EAB by specifying a variety of suitable tree species.
• Generate new business for Michigan nurseries and garden centers that supply the containerized tree stock.

How does the ROOT program work?

ELIGIBILITY: This program is for individual residents only. To participate in the program, you must live in one of the 21 contiguous EAB Quarantined counties (please click here for map of program area that includes Local Partners). A resident does not need to have lost an ash tree to participate in the program

• Eight (8) Local Partners have been selected in the 21contiguous EAB Quarantined counties to serve as regional administrators and tree distribution centers for the program - please click here for a map of Local Partners (see below for contact information).
• Each Local Partners will have between 150 and 300 trees for sale.
  • A maximum of two (2) trees can be purchased per household.
  • The trees offered for sale will be 5-8 feet tall in 5- 7 gallon pots.
  • The following tree species will be available for purchase: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), River Birch (Betula nigra), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), London Planetree (Platanus x acerifolia) Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Click here for fact sheets on each of the tree species available.
• Homeowners cost per tree is $21. A generous donation from the DTE Energy Foundation will pay the remaining cost of the tree.
• Trees will be picked up by the homeowner from the local distribution area in April 2008. Directions for pick-up will be provided by the Local Partner.
• Homeowners will be given instructions on how to properly plant and care for their trees. There is no warranty or guarantee on these trees.
• Homeowners are encouraged to visit their local nursery and garden centers for additional plant material and supplies

How do I Participate in the ROOT Program?

• To participate, an eligible resident needs to identify the Local Partner nearest to their home (please see the list of Local Partners below)
• PLEASE NOTE: Due to overwhelming demand, Local Partners will be selling trees either through a random drawing purchase process or on a first come, first serve basis. The list of Local Partners below provides information on which type of program they have chosen to host.
• Each Local Partner has a specific tree application/order form, which is located under their contact information in the Local Partner list below. Identify the Local Partner you would like to utilize and download the tree application (random drawing form)/order form or contact the Local Partner to have one mailed to you.

Random Drawing Process

• Please read all information and instructions on the Tree Application (random drawing form). Complete the application and send it to the Local Partner listed. DO NOT SEND PAYMENT. Applications must be received by March 14, 2008 to be eligible for the random drawing.
• Only one application per household will be accepted.
• Once all Tree Applications have been received, the Local Partner will randomly select residents to purchase trees until the inventory of trees is sold out.
• The Local Partner will contact residents selected to purchase trees by email (preferred) and the resident will have 10 days to submit their payment or they forfeit their chance to purchase trees through the program.
• PLEASE NOTE: Submitting a Tree Application does not guarantee selection or that choice of tree species will be available.

First Come, First Serve Process

• Please read all information and instruction on the Tree Order Form. Complete the form and send it along with payment to the Local Partner listed. Checks should be made payable to the Local Partner you will be purchasing the tree(s) from. Example: If The Greening of Detroit is the Local Partner you will be purchasing trees from, then you will make the check payable to the “The Greening of Detroit”
• PLEASE REMEMBER: Trees are available on a first come, first served basis. Submitting an order form and payment does not guarantee that you will be able to purchase trees or that your choice(s) of tree species will be available. Orders that have been received after trees have sold out will be refunded.

ROOT Local Partners (*For a pdf version of the Local Partner List please click here)

The Michigan DNR website provides order forms here.

Region 1
Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission
For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
Contact: Brian VanPatten
2142 North Genesee Rd.
Burton, MI 48509
810-789-8568
Email: bvanpatten@gcparks.org
Number of Trees for sale: 250
Tree sold on first come, first serve basis

Sanilac Conservation District, Sanilac County
Contact: Sandra Pritchett
50 E. Miller Rd.
Sandusky, MI 48471
810-648-2116 x 4
Email: sandy.pritchett@mi.nacdnet.net
www.sanilaccounty.net/conservation/
Number of Trees for sale: 150
Tree sold on first come, first serve basis

Region 2
The Greening of Detroit, Wayne County
Contact: Paul Bairley
1418 E. Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
313-237-8733
Email: paul@greeningofdetroit.com
www.greeningofdetroit.com
Number of Trees for sale: 250
Tree sold on first come, first serve basis

City of Westland, Wayne County
Contact: John E. Blevins
37137 Marquette
Westland, MI 48185
734-467-3242
Email: jblevins@ci.westland.mi.us
http://ci.westland.mi.us/
Number of Trees for sale: 300
Trees sold through a random drawing process

Oakland County MSU Extension
Contact: Mary Wilson/Linda Smith
1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Bldg. 26 East, 2nd Floor
Pontiac, MI 48347-0416
248-858-0887
Email: msue.oakland@county.msu.edu
www.msue.msu.edu/oakland
Number of Trees for sale: 300
Trees sold through a random drawing process

Monroe Conservation District/MSU Extension
Contact: Marlene Rogers
1137 South Telegraph Rd.
Monroe, MI 48161
734-241-7755 x103
Email: marlene.rogers@mi.nacdnet.net
www.monroecd.org
Number of Trees for sale: 275
Trees sold through a random drawing process
Click here for the ROOT program Tree Application (random drawing form) for the Monroe Conservation District

Region 3
City of East Lansing, Ingham County
Contact: Dave Smith
410 Abbott Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823
517-337-9459
Email: dsmith@cityofeastlansing.com
www.ci.east-lansing.mi.us
Number of Trees for sale: 250
Trees sold through a random drawing process

Jackson Conservation District, Jackson County
Contact: Sharon Parker
211 W. Ganson St., Suite 200
Jackson, MI 49201
517.782.7404
Email: sharon.parker@mi.nacdnet.net
www.jacksoncd.org
Number of Trees for sale: 225
Trees sold through a random drawing process