EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Leaders from Edwardsville are encouraging residents to plant trees in their yards through financial assistance from the city.
In an effort to increase the city’s tree canopy, the Tree Planting Program is offering reimbursements up to $200 this year.
This fall, Edwardsville says approved applicants who purchase a small or evergreen tree in their yard and place a shade tree in the back yard will receive up to $100 for costs. Those who plant a shade tree in their front yard will be reimbursed up to $200.
“The committee chose to remove the required spending match because we wanted to make planting a tree as easy as possible and accessible to even more people,” Chairman of Edwardsville’s Environmental Commission Sarah Cundiff said in a release. “We know there can be obstacles to adding a tree to a property, but cost shouldn’t be one of them. We hope to encourage more residents to take advantage of the program and help expand Edwardsville’s urban forest.”
Residents can submit their application through the city’s website until Nov. 1. After applicants have been approved, they will have until Dec. 15 to purchase the tree. Receipts for the tree must be submitted by Dec....