The tree nursery at Casey Trees' Berryville, VA, farm.

The phrase “tree canopy” evokes a cradle of otherworldly foliage -- but the tree canopy is something we can observe right here in DC: it is the layer of leaves that cover the city when viewed from above. Take a look at an aerial shot of the city and you’ll notice that just a fraction of DC is tree covered. Local nonprofit Casey Trees is working to change that through two practical, financially beneficial deals for homeowners.

The Tree Rebate Program For those interested in independently purchasing a tree and planting it themselves (on a private residential or commercial property in DC), the Tree Rebate program provides rebates up to $100 per tree for 40 species of large canopy trees. Casey Trees also offers free classes on how to plant trees.

The RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree Program For those who want to add trees to their property without taking a shovel to the ground, RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree Program costs an all-inclusive $50 for an at-home consultation, a tree and all the heavy lifting necessary to get that tree planted.

A Magnolia planted by Casey Trees in Petworth.

Trees provide many advantages to city dwellers: they reduce energy bills by insulating homes in the winter and shading them during the summer; they reduce property erosion; and they increase properties’ aesthetic and monetary values.

Since 2002, Casey Trees has worked to enhance, restore and protect DC’s canopy coverage by engaging citizens. Eventually, they’d like to help DC reach 40% coverage—and they’ve made great progress, having planted around 1,000 trees per year, many of which came from Casey Trees’ own tree farm in Berryville, VA.

If you are interested in learning more about Casey Trees’ mission, visit the non-profit online here. You can also visit Casey Trees online to find out which tree species could be eligible for your property.