want a tree planted in your yard? it's just $50

Did you know that you can have a tree planted in your yard for only $50? The $50 includes all costs.

Check out the info on the RiverSmart Homes program from the DDOE website.


RiverSmart Homes
ddoe.dc.gov/riversmarthomes

Stormwater Pollution and the District of Columbia

Stormwater is simply rainwater that, rather than remaining on the land where it falls, flows off of the site. Rainwater becomes stormwater when rain falls on impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, roads, sidewalks and even lawns. As stormwater moves from our yards to our streams it picks up pollutants such as oil and grease from our roadways and driveways, nutrients from fertilizers on our lawns, and bacteria from pet waste and other animal excrement. Once in the stream, the fast-moving surges of water associated with storms cause erosion and destroys habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Thankfully, new development and large renovations of properties in the City are now required to install items that reduce stormwater pollution. Unfortunately, most of the District was developed before modern methods for controlling and treating stormwater were developed. If your home was built before the 1980s (and chances are it was!), you probably do not have any stormwater controls installed on your property, but there are steps that you can take to reduce stormwater pollution and beautify your yard. RiverSmart Homes can help you.


Learn more about RiverSmart Homes:

Program Overview (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499719.asp)
Frequently Asked Questions (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499005.asp)
Application Form (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499236.asp)
Success Stories (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,Q,499068,PM,1.asp)

The FAQ section provides the info on the $50 tree-planting program.

If you ARE interested in this program, then you should consider submitting your application now, since the DDOE FAQ indicates that "it could be up to 3-5 months before you are contacted by DDOE, because of the high volume of interest in this program."

And a note to residents of Bloomingdale condos in buildings that were once apartment buildings -- that is, large buildings -- "large property complexes such as apartments, condos, and offices are currently not eligible for the RiverSmart Homes program."