Alliant Energy customers invited to purchase trees for $25
A popular program offering landscape quality trees at a deep discount to Alliant Energy customers will be held at eight locations across Iowa this spring.
Operation ReLeaf, a residential tree planting program that promotes long-term energy and natural resource conservation, is funded by Alliant Energy and administered by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau with assistance from local partners, like county conservation boards and county extension offices.
Through the program, Alliant Energy residential customers may purchase high quality landscaping trees for $25 each, on a first-come, first-served basis. These trees typically retail for between $65 and $125.
The DNR is encouraging homeowners to prepare for Emerald Ash Borer and other tree pests by planting a diverse mix of tree species. Foresters have been working with local partners to create community tree inventories that will guide future tree planting efforts to keep a healthy mix of tree species.
Tree species offered will vary at each event and include shade trees, ornamentals and conifers. Shade trees are 6 to 8 feet tall in 5 to 7 gallon containers and conifers are 2 to 3 feet tall.
Advanced order is highly recommended and advance purchase is limited to two trees per household. In the event there are extra trees available on distribution day, those trees will be released for purchase at that time. Order forms are available online at www.alliantenergy.com/releaf.
orkshops will be held at most tree distributions that are lead by experts discussing ways to avoid common mistakes that often result in dead trees.
Just a few of the advantages of yard trees are:
- Decrease in household heating and cooling costs
- Increase in property values
- Decrease in storm water runoff, which may reduce flooding events
- Beauty and personal enjoyment
“All trees are purchased through a bidding process to promote local nurseries,” said Paul Tauke, state forester and chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Bureau. “This is a great way for homeowners to get a quality tree at an affordable price.”
Operation ReLeaf participants must be Alliant Energy residential customers.
For more information, contact Laura Wagner with the Iowa DNR at 515-281-6749 or laura.wagner@dnr.iowa.gov.
Operation ReLeaf Events
April 18, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Iowa Falls, Hardin County
Caulkin’s Nature Area
18335 135th Street, Iowa Falls
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Partner: Hardin County Conservation Board
April 20, 9 to 11 a.m.
Ottumwa, Wapello County
East side of the Beach Ottumwa parking lot, 101 Church Street, Ottumwa
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 10 a.m.
Partner: City of Ottumwa
April 25, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Afton, Union County
Three Mile Lake, 1542 Campground Road, Afton
Partner: Union County Conservation Board
May 4, 8 to 10 a.m.
Atlantic, Cass County
Cass County Fairgrounds, 805 W. 10th Street, Atlantic
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 9 a.m.
Partner: Cass County Extension and Outreach
May 9, 4 to 6 p.m.
Elkader, Clayton County
Osborne Nature Center, 29862 Osborne Road, Elkader
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 5 p.m.
Partner: Clayton County Conservation Board
May 11, 9 to 11 a.m.
Garner, Hancock County
Concord Park, intersection of Sioux Ave. and Concord Way, Garner
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 10 a.m.
Partner: City of Garner
May 18, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Marion, Linn County
Squaw Creek Park, 4305 Squaw Lane
Partner: Linn County Conservation Board
May 23, 4 to 6 p.m.
Sigourney, Keokuk County
Keokuk County Fairgrounds, 400 220th Ave., Sigourney
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 5 p.m.
Partner: Keokuk County Extension and Outreach