Get a free tree and help keep our water clean

One of the rare times when shady means something positive.

March 14, 2014; 9:42 AM • by Richard Hayes

Runoff takes all the chemical nastiness of our everyday living and washes into the water system. It pollutes the James River and is harmful both directly and indirectly to nearly countless forms of live including our own.

One simple way to prevent that runoff is more trees. They keep the water in your yard and act as a filter. If you plant native trees it provides a home for native species which is equally great for our environment and our backyard psyche.

The James River Association wants to make it even easier and is offering reimbursements to folks that buy native trees, plant those trees, fill out a simple form.

Press Release below:

During the spring and fall planting seasons, the James River Association (JRA) is offering free trees to Richmond City residents. Homeowners can receive up to a $200 reimbursement per home for trees planted on their property.

Trees are an important feature for any property because they reduce stormwater runoff and provide aesthetic value. Tree canopies capture and store rainfall and reduce soil erosion. They take up a large amount of water from the soil and provide important habitat for wildlife. Their shade can also help homeowners reduce the cost of cooling their home.

This tree incentive program is only open to City of Richmond residents and reimbursements are available March through April, and September through November 2014. Homeowners must be an existing River Hero Home or submit an application to become a new River Hero Home to River Hero Homes is JRA’s certification program that recognizes homeowners who are successfully taking steps to improve water quality by reducing the amount of stormwater and pollution leaving their property.

To become certified, JRA requires homeowners to install a river-friendly practice, such as planting trees or installing a rain barrel, as well as following some simple everyday actions to reduce pollution. These actions, which include picking up after your pet or planting native plants, may seem small, but when adopted on a wide scale, can have a significant impact on local water quality.

Tree reimbursements are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be available until funding runs out. For more information about this program, and to find out if your property qualifies, go to www.jamesriverhero.org.