Tree deals - getting green for less
Planting trees just got a little cheaper. How's this for a deal? Get $25 off on the purchase of a native tree, and help save the bay -- and lower your energy bill -- at the same time.
The state of Maryland is committed to planting 1 million trees by 2011, and it's trying to get community groups, businesses and just plain citizens to plant 50,000 trees by next year.
The reason for the push is simple: Trees are the environment's best friend. According to the state, one large tree can soak up 5,000 gallons of stormwater runoff each year, and strategically planted trees in time can help reduce energy costs by 15 to 35 percent.
To take advantage of the state's $25-off deal, go to the "Marylanders Plant Trees" Web site to download a coupon, good for a $25 discount on any tree costing $50 or more. Then go to one of the participating nurseries - there are more than a dozen in the Baltimore area alone - and pick out one of the many trees eligible for the discount. Just click on "Choose a Tree" and "Participating Vendors" for lists of each.
Meanwhile, the Parks and People Foundation has a slightly different tree deal, one that encourages you to band together with your neighbors. Until April 30, the foundation is selling 10 different species of native trees and shrubs including Silver Maple, Cherry Birch, Buttonbush, Eastern redbud, Black walnut, and American Sycamore. The cost is $45 per tree for individuals, $35 for community groups.
To get trees from Parks & People, order online here or visit the foundation's booth at Eco-Fest in Druid Hill Park on Saturday, April 18. Call 410-448-5663 for more information.
For those who don't have any room in their yard for any more trees - or don't have a yard, period - you can donate through the state's Gift of Trees . Or try Adopting-a-Tree through Parks and People; call 410-448-5663 x 118 for information.
And for anyone who might need a little extra motivation, though Maryland Arbor Day already has passed (it was Wednesday) there's still time for National Arbor Day - it's on April 24.
(Photo of 2007 tree planting at Farring Brook Bay Park, by The Baltimore Sun's Jed Kirschbaum)
I report on the environment and Chesapeake Bay. A native of West Virginia, I have focused mainly on Maryland's environment since moving here in 1983. Along the way, I've crewed aboard a skipjack in the bay, canoed under city streets up the Jones Fall from the Inner Harbor, and gone deep underground in a western Maryland coal mine. Recently, I have been covering the growth and development transforming the landscape. I love seafood, rambles in the country and good stories. I hope to share some here.
Comments
The $25 incentive is a great idea. I am unable to locate the dozen Baltimore vendors you make reference of though.
TIM: Just click on "Participating Vendors" on the side menu to get a list of nurseries. You might have to roam out into the suburbs, but there are a baker's dozen in the Baltimore metro area.
Posted by: NotableM | April 4, 2009 7:15 PM
Tim: Homeowners in the Baltimore region who want to learn more about selecting and planting trees in their yards and save money, can take advantage of the Growing Home Campaign. Go to www.growinghome.info for more information and to download the $10 tree coupon redeemable at 50 participating nurseries (virtually every licensed retail nursery in the Baltimore region that sells trees) on each tree purchased with a retail value of $25 or more. In our effort to increase the urban tree canopy in the Baltimore region, there are hundreds of great trees that qualify for coupon reimbursement including all native species as well as trees that are tolerant of urban growing conditions. This is the fourth year for the Growing Home program.
Posted by: Diana Cohen | April 13, 2009 12:17 PM