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LEWISTON — City residents who want to, or already have, a green thumb can benefit from the new Treebate Program.
Residents can receive a rebate for a portion of the cost incurred for buying and planting trees on single-family and duplex properties. The rebate will credit a property owner’s storm water fee for 50 percent of the cost of a qualifying tree up to a maximum of $100. Applicants are eligible for no more than one tree per year.
The policy was put in place after an Aug. 15 City Council vote.
Ward 7 City Councilor Michael Lachance, who came up with the idea, said “Planting a tree improves more than the property it is planted on. Quality trees enhance streets, neighborhoods, and whole cities. This program ‘gives back’ to those who choose to enhance their property with a quality tree. It’s a great way for Lewiston rate payers to collaborate with City Hall and enhance our neighborhoods–a ‘win-win’ return on investment for everyone!”
The positive impact trees have on a community are many. They enhance the urban environment by reducing storm water runoff and absorbing rainfall, reducing soil erosion, absorbing odors and polluting gases, conserving energy when strategically placed around buildings, and improving the community’s overall aesthetics, according to a news release from City Hall.
Trees suggested for Treebate planting are the Red Maple, Yellowwood, Green Ash, Thornless Honeylocust, Pin Oak, Japanese Pagoda Tree, Little Leaf Linden, Homestead Elm, Sugar Maple, White Ash, Ginko, Amur Corktree, Bradford Callery Pear, Japanese Tree Lilac and Princeton Elm. Other trees can be planted as part of the program upon approval of the city arborist. Trees must be at least 1.5 inches in caliper measurement, the diameter of the trunk 6 inches above the soil surface.
Residents should submit a Treebate application, available at www.lewistonmaine.gov/treebate and be approved before planting. Once the application is reviewed and eligible for storm water utility credits based on fund availability, residents will be contacted. More information about the program is also available at that link.
