Lynn Hall (left) plants a Serviceberry tree in her front yard with the help of Brenda Frank and Janet Gale, volunteers for the McLean Trees Foundation. Photo Contributed
Homeowners can improve the environment and contribute to the health of their neighborhood by planting a native tree in their front yard this fall or next spring with the help of the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF).
“Homeowners who plant trees enhance the character, quality, health, and beauty of our community,” said Joyce Harris, Chairman of MTF. “Additionally, homeowners benefit economically from planting trees. Trees increase property values by 10 to 15 percent and reduce heating and cooling costs. Homes with trees sell faster than homes without trees.”
Homeowners can learn more about trees when they participate in the McLean Neighborhood Tree program, the first homeowner tree-planting program in Fairfax County. The program encourages homeowners to become actively engaged in the selection, planting, and care of their trees.
To join the program, homeowners must complete an application that can be found online. Once an application is received, MTF volunteers visit the homeowner’s property to discuss the program, review the property, and recommend native tree species and planting locations. If the homeowner decides to participate in the program after the consultation, a $50 fee is charged to help supplement program costs.
Homeowners who want to plant trees this fall in their front yard should submit applications prior to Friday, August 12. Applications received after this date will be considered for spring planting.
More information can be found on MTF’s website: www.mcleantreesfoundation.org.