The Growing Home Campaign is an award-winning tree planting program to encourage homeowners to plant a tree in their yard, and it is here in Baltimore, Baltimore County and Harford County.

The goal is to increase the tree canopy on private property, and 50 retail nurseries and garden centers have signed on to offer homeowner not only comprehensive information for planting a tree, but a $10 cash incentive as well.

Go to the Web site for the Growing Home Campaign and print out your $10 voucher (good toward the purchase of a tree worth $25 or more). You will also find lots of information about the value of adding trees to your propery, guidance for site considerations and tree selection and instructions on planning and maintenance.

Here are just a few of the reasons why it is smart to plant a tree in your yard.

• Trees make good neighbors—Trees add beauty to our individual yards and our entire community.
• Trees are cool—Trees cool the air, land and water with leafy shade and moisture and help save money on energy costs.
• Trees save tax dollars—Trees slow stromwater runoff and can reduce the cost of controlling stromwater, especially in urban areas.
• Animals need trees—Trees provide food and habitat for many kinds of species.
• Trees protect soil—By holding soil in place with their root system and adding nutrients each fall with their leaves, trees are crucial to sustaining and replenishing our soil.
• Trees help us breathe easier—Trees clean the air and return pure oxygen.
• Trees fight climate change—Planting trees helps offset greenhouse gases.
• Trees clean our water and air—From air pollutants to pesticided and fertilizer runoff, trees absorb many harmful pollutants.