Enhance Your Landscape at the Energy-Saving Trees and Native Plant Sale Event
The Holland Board of Public Works and the City of Holland are excited to announce their annual Energy-Saving Trees Event, and for the first time, a Native Plant Sale in collaboration with Ottawa Conservation District. This event is a fantastic opportunity for residents to enhance their landscape with free trees and affordable native plants.
Event Details:
- Reserve Your Free Tree Portal Opens on Monday, August 4
- Tree Pick-Up Date: Saturday, September 13
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: Service Center Parking Lot, 625 Hastings Ave
Free Tree Giveaway:
For several years, Holland BPW and the City of Holland have proudly offered a tree giveaway to residential customers of electric and water services. To participate, customers must reserve their tree on the Arbor Day website. The portal to reserve your tree will open on August 4. You will need your account number and address to complete the reservation. There will be 400 trees available. Once reserved, come to the Service Center Parking Lot on Saturday, September 13, to pick up your tree – don’t forget to bring the QR code confirmation from Arbor Day. City Parks staff will be on hand to load the trees into your vehicle. Tree pick-up will be a drive-thru. After picking up your tree, you can park in the lot and browse the selection of native plants.
Native Plant Sale:
In addition to the tree giveaway, we are excited to introduce a Native Plant Sale in partnership with Ottawa Conservation District. They will be bringing 700 native plants, available for purchase at just $2 each. Unlike the trees, these plants do not require reservation. Park in the lot, browse the selection, and choose your favorites. To ensure everyone has a chance to participate, the purchase is initially limited to 5 plants per person. Customers can pay with cash or a card. Staff from Ottawa Conservation District, Holland BPW, and ODC Network will be on hand to answer any questions about what plants may be suitable for your home.
Please note the free trees and native plant sale are only open to Holland BPW residential electric and water customers.
Event Highlights:
Even if you are not picking up a tree, we invite everyone to join the event. It's an excellent opportunity to learn more about native plants and how they can benefit your garden and the environment. Polar Patrol will be joining the event and giving away free ice cream between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Be sure to stop by their booth to enjoy a delicious treat while you browse the native plants and pick up your free tree.
Why We Do This:
Holland BPW and the City of Holland offer free trees and discounted native plants due to their numerous benefits to the community and the environment. Trees provide significant energy savings for homes by offering shade in the summer and acting as windbreaks in the winter, reducing heating and cooling costs. Since partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, 2,500 trees have been planted, and within 20 years, these trees are expected to save 899,385 kWh – enough power to support over 100 homes. Additionally, trees help with water uptake, reducing runoff and erosion, and they play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Trees also help sequester carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, which aligns perfectly with the City of Holland’s Community Energy Plan’s carbon reduction goals. Within 20 years, these trees will have sequestered over five million pounds of carbon! To learn more information about tree benefits and the City of Holland’s Urban Forest, visit their website.
Native plants are well-adapted to the local environment and require less water and maintenance compared to non-native species. Their longer root systems help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Native plants also support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a good selection of native plants at our local stores. By collaborating with Ottawa Conservation District, we can offer a wider selection at a discounted price. By planting native species, we can create more resilient and sustainable gardens that benefit both people and nature.
Please mark your calendars and join us for a day of community, conservation, and greenery. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information and to view the event map, visit our event website.