Local Programs Make Planting a Tree Easy and Inexpensive

 

In this 3-part series, Greening Your Home, you’ll learn ways to make your home more energy-efficient while also saving you money in the long run. Caring about the environment and being “green” can be easier than you think as a homeowner. You can start today!

 Here’s the final article and it’s all about how to plant trees in your yard (or common yard if you’re in a condo) for much less money.

 

Did you know that by adding a tree to your yard, you can increase your property value and save on energy costs?

But maybe the cost or your lack of a green thumb is holding you off.

No worries since there are some great programs in the Cincinnati area that can help!

 

Why Trees Help Your Home

• Trees boost curb appeal. The presence of larger trees in yards and as street trees can add 3 to 15 percent to home values throughout neighborhoods.

 

• Trees can shade buildings, windows and air-conditioning units. Homes with well-situated trees can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and save 20 to 50 percent in heating costs.

 

• Trees can help with water drainage.

 

Cincinnati Parks Fall ReLeaf program

For the last 33 years, Cincinnati Parks’ Fall ReLeaf program has grown, and sustained the canopy coverage of our city. The highly successful program has given away 20,000 free trees consisting of more than 40 species.

It is their initiative to bring each residential neighborhood up to 40% tree canopy coverage. The canopy coverage helps improve the impacts of air pollution, residential energy demands, and storm water management. Just one large canopy tree such as an oak or sycamore, can help control 400 to 1,000 gallons of storm water through canopy interceptions.

They are currently targeting the cities neighborhoods with less than 40% coverage.

The list below shows the areas of the city that are currently being targeted.

Mt. Adams (31%)
Walnut Hills (33%)
East End (30%)
Avondale (37%)
Lower Price Hill (20%)
Queensgate (10%)
West End (14%)
Over-the-Rhine (13%)
Downtown (7%)
Corryville (14%)
Pendleton (12%)
Camp Washington (8%)
Carthage(33%)
Hartwell (37%)
Roselawn (26%)
Bond Hill (25%)
Madisonville (36%)
Oakley (26%)
Evanston (31%)
Linwood (28%)

 

Make sure to check with your local community. Many areas have their own tree planting programs through their Public Works department.

For instance, the city of Montgomery has their Street Tree Program.

 

Montgomery- Street Tree Program

The city of Montgomery will provide 1 tree to property owners for a $100 co-pay.  The co-pay covers a portion of the cost of the tree and the labor for planting it in the public right-of-way.

Each property owner may request one street tree per year; if the property frontage permits planting of more than one street tree, a second tree may be requested and may be approved subject to the annual Street Tree Program budget and demand for the program by other residents.

 

Many groups are concerned with the tree canopy in certain neighborhoods and want to help homeowners plant trees.

 

Happy planting!