Homewood’s tree-lined streets don’t happen by magic,
and residents have an opportunity to contribute to the
canopy through the biannual Tree Share program.
(Photo by Eric Crump/The Chronicle)
Homewood residents who want to beautify their yards and help contribute to local biodiversity have until noon April 4 to participate in the spring Tree Share Program.
An order form should be submitted at Village Hall with a check made out to the Village of Homewood.
The village pays half the cost of trees and will deliver trees to the resident’s parkway with planting instructions attached. Participants can purchase up to two trees.
The trees must be planted in Homewood but can be placed anywhere on the residents’ property that doesn’t conflict with utilities. Village officials recommend calling 811 or visiting www.call811.com to determine underground utility locations.
Varieties available and residents’ cost include
- 3-Flower Maple (Acer triflorum), 1.25-inch diameter, $67
- Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense), 1.75-inch diameter, $73
- Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), 1.5-inch diameter, $80
- Hardy rubbertree (Eucommia ulmoides), 1.5-inch diameter, $57
- Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), 6 to 7 feet in height, $53
- Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii), 2-inch diameter, $75
- Tupelo or Balck Gum (Nyssa sylvatica), 1.75-inch diameter, $72
- Wireless Zelkova (Zelkova serrata ‘Wireless’), 1.75-inch diameter, $70
The program, designed to keep Homewood’s tree population healthy, aims “to bring back the native diversity of trees that once existed, and bring aesthetic beauty to the community,” according to the Tree Committee page on the village website.
Homewood’s reputation for attractive tree-lined neighborhoods has been at risk in recent years as a series of blights have reduced the population of common species, like elm and ash trees. Increasing species diversity helps protect the community from such pests, which often target specific types of tree, according to village arborists.
Homewood is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City.
More information:
Tree Share order form
Tree Share program