Trees bestow tremendous gifts on humans, creatures, and the environment, including fresh air, shade, beauty, inspiration, home, and a site for community. During the Christmas season and year round, Kinship Farm gratefully acknowledges trees' roles in our spirituality, relationships, and the environment, we gift tree care to trees, and we gift trees to the community.

During the month of December, Kinship Farm accepts applications from local homeowners, businesses, churches, municipal buildings, and town common areas in the local Essex County area for fostering new trees, tree planting, tree care instructions, and hands-on tree care.

Native seedling foster care and instructions

For individuals, organizations, and towns who are eager to foster tree growth from its earliest stages as well as support the future planting of local trees, Kinship Farm provides free, potted seedlings and care instructions. Recipients are invited to care for the seedlings as they grow into saplings. Kinship Farm will then retrieve the saplings and plant them in a permanent location elsewhere. Interested parties will need to sign a form describing their ability to care for the seedlings and understanding that Kinship Farm will recollect the trees for  planting in the community.

Free tree planting and care instructions

For individuals, organizations, and towns who are enthusiastic about watching new life take root and grow, Kinship Farm offers free tree planting and care instructions. Interested parties will need to submit an application that explains their reasons and location for planting a new tree. Motivations must extend to the community and beyond the obvious need for additional oxygen and carbon sequestration.

Care of Existing Trees

For individuals, organizations, and towns who understand the importance of managing and preserving old, rare, and/or historical trees for longevity, health, and beauty, we offer free consultation and instructions as well as hands-on intentional care for existing arboreal treasures. Interested parties will need to submit an application that explains their need for high quality onsite advice and guidance, and the ways that the tree(s) and their care will benefit the community.

Partners

Significant partners with Kinship Farm on this project include Chris Wood (ISA certified arborist, tree and shrub preservationist, and owner of Heirloom Tree Care), Alex Sands (owner of Annisquam Land Care), and others.

Applications are due by December 25

Residents, businesses, and towns interested in receiving seedlings, trees, tree care instructions, or on-site tree care must complete an application by December 25. We regret that not every request can be fulfilled. Selected applicants will be notified in writing that their application has been accepted and plans will be solidified in the new year.

Please direct all questions about Christmas Trees to info@kinshipfarm.org.

Application - Christmas Trees

Foster a seedling Disclaimer Form

Care of existing tree Disclaimer Form

New tree Disclaimer Form