Cranford Wins County Fruit Tree Grant — 3 Sites Planted

The Cranford Shade Tree Commission has been selected as a recipient of Union County's inaugural Fruitful Futures Tree Grant, receiving three fruit trees planted at municipal sites across Cranford on June 6, 2025.

Union County Life reported the grant as part of Union County's 2025 Plant a Seed Program, which also includes the Kids Dig In School Garden Grant and the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant. The Fruitful Futures Tree Grant was new this year and awarded to schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal entities based on need, scope, population served, and readiness to proceed.

Where the Trees Were Planted

Groundwork Elizabeth partnered with the Cranford Shade Tree Commission to plant a cherry tree grafted with four different cherry varieties at municipal property at 2 Cedar Street. A second varietal cherry tree was planted at Hanson Park. A grafted plum tree was installed at Bloomingdale Avenue School.

"All three locations that were chosen had trees recently removed for disease, and this is a start toward replacing them," said Shade Tree Commission Superintendent Erik Hastrup. "I look forward to working with our new friends at Groundwork Elizabeth in the future."

Grafting the trees allows multiple fruit varieties to grow from a single root system, which supports long-term productivity and resilience.

How the Grant Works

The grant is administered through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Commissioner Sergio Granados, chairperson of the fund, said the program introduces residents to hands-on sustainability education, increases access to fresh produce, and strengthens community engagement.

Of the 31 fruit trees planted across all 21 Union County municipalities through this program, three went to Cranford.

Part of a Longer Effort

Cranford held Tree City USA status in 2024 after planting 111 trees and creating a tree nursery. The three Fruitful Futures trees add to an ongoing effort to reverse net tree loss from flooding, disease, and aging.

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