Celebrate new year with free trees

AREA — Residents of Maine can ring in the New Year by receiving 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2011. By becoming a member of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, you will receive two white flowering dogwoods, two flowering crabapples, two Washington hawthorns, two American redbuds and two goldenraintrees.

"These beautiful trees will give your home in Maine lovely flowers with pink, yellow and white colors," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "These trees are perfect for large and small spaces, and they will provide food and habitat for songbirds." The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation's Trees for America campaign.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between February 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.

Arbor Day Foundation members also receive a subscription to the Foundation's bimonthly publication, "Arbor Day," and "The Tree Book," which includes information about tree planting and care.

To become a member of the Foundation and to receive your free trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Flowering Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by January 31. Maine residents can also join on-line at www.arborday.org/january.