Are you a homeowner in Silver Bow County with a spot in your yard to plant a tree? Have you heard about the exciting cost-share program called Tree-bate?
The Tree-bate program is developed by the Urban Forestry Board. This winter the group went to the council of commissioners seeking money through an economic mill levy. We were successfully funded and now can offer a cost-sharing tree purchase program for any Silver Bow County resident.
Here is how it works. Vouchers are available at the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George St. Ask at the desk for a Tree-bate voucher. They will take some basic information from you and give you a certificate.
Now, take your voucher to a local nursery and select a tree from the helpful list of species. These species have been determined by the Urban Forestry Board to be successful in our climate. Each voucher is worth $50 toward a tree purchase of $100 or more. The discount will be given by the nursery directly to you.
Then take your tree home. On the remaining portion of the voucher that you keep are supportive materials for proper installation and care.
Don’t forget to always call 811 before you dig. 811 is a service to locate underground utilities in and around your home. This free service gives you piece of mind as you dig a suitable hole for your new tree and protects you from any harm.
Once installed, take a picture with your new tree and send it in to the Urban Forestry Board with a brief description of what tree you selected, silverbow@montana.edu. These photos will be used in a report next fall to the council of commissioners to show the success of the program and increasing our local tree canopy.
Hurry, only 175 are available. Get your Tree-bate today.
-- Kellee Anderson is the MSU Extension Agent serving Butte-Silver Bow County. Located at 305 W. Mercury St. Suite 303, Butte; telephone 406-723-0217 or email kellee.anderson@montana.edu Office hours Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m