Great Communities Are Rooted in Trees
As part of the campaign to improve the city's tree canopy, the Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with City Public Service Energy, San Antonio Water System, and the Texas Forest Service to implement a Tree Rebate for Energy Savings Program for both commercial and residential customers.
Through this program, citizens are able to purchase up to three trees and receive a rebate from CPS of $50 per tree. This program is expected to result in the planting of more than 7,000 new trees.
To qualify citizens must be CPS Energy customers and purchase an eligible tree between Oct. 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012. Applications are due by May 15, 2012. The tree must be planted within 10 to 30 feet and on the west, south or east side of an air-conditioned home or business. For complete rebate guidelines, application and tree planting instructions, go to www.cpsenergy.com/residential/rebates or visit your nearest CPS Energy Customer Service Center or call 353-2728.
The program is funded from the American Recover & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Energy Conservation Block Grant received by the City of San Antonio.
We encourages citizens and businesses to join in the initiative, which has the long term goal of increasing the tree canopy from 38 percent to 40 percent. To reach that goal, San Antonio must plant 450,000 trees.
Our commitment to that goal is reflected in the completion in 2011 of our Great Parks are Rooted in Trees campaign in which 9,000 trees were planted in City parks.Additionally we will continue the Tree Challenge Program, which focuses on assisting neighborhood associations and organizations, as well as businesses, in beautifying their properties with trees. Applications are available on annual basis for this program.
The Parks and Recreation Department will continue to work with volunteer groups to do tree plantings and to do tree giveaways at community events.
The benefits include increased property values, reduced energy consumption, reduced storm water runoff, which in turn helps control flooding, protection of the Edwards Aquifer, cleaner water, and a more beautiful city.
For more information, browse these links: