THE LEAFLET

At Casey Trees, we are always eager to share inspiring stories about homeowners who have taken the initiative to reforest their yards, contributing to the ecological and environmental well-being of their property and community. Recently, we had the pleasure of collaborating with Jeff and Brooke, homeowners in DC, to help them introduce 21 trees to their property, along with an array of native plants through an ecological garden installation.

Jeff and Brooke enrolled in our RiverSmart Homes program shortly after purchasing their home in Ward 3. One of our Urban Foresters, Evan Friedman, assisted them in selecting and

installing the first six trees for their property. The couple shared their experience, expressing their appreciation for Evan’s responsiveness and thoughtful guidance in tree selection.

“He was very responsive and thoughtful about tree selection, (especially) with a couple of overwhelmed new clients. He helped us select and install our first group of new trees in December 2022. We’d never heard of a hop hornbeam before meeting Evan!“, they exclaimed.

We also had the opportunity to speak with Evan about this planting experience. He recounted, “During the initial consultation, Jeff and Brooke were a little anxious about how to best configure their then very open canvas landscape into a more native canopy area. After working together to create a planting plan that would act as a starting point for them to mold around, they seemed to be very excited about moving forward with the project. All in all, it was a pleasure to work with individuals that took such pride in the development of their own natural landscape and in return allowing us to have significant impact on the process.”

Following Evan’s recommendation, Jeff and Brooke consulted with Maddie Hoagland-Hanson, Casey Trees’ resident Horticulturist, to address their inquiries regarding shrubs, perennials, and to develop a comprehensive landscape plan to design and install 15 additional tree placements. The couple enthusiastically shared, “The experience was so much more than we anticipated. We appreciate Maddie’s vision and creativity, her detailed designs and write-ups, her willingness to take time educating, and her patience with us through the project. The finished product – soft, meandering, native – is a perfect complement to the structured look of the house. We feel like it expanded our livable space, and the woodland critters all seem to feel the same way. What a joy it is to see birds, bugs, and animals flocking to the space.”

Maddie also praised Jeff and Brooke’s active involvement in the design process and their eagerness to learn about native plants. “They told me they had purchased a set of native plant flashcards so they could learn more about the plants, which I thought was cute. Not all homeowners understand that shaping their landscape is a dynamic process that unfolds over many years (more of a journey than a destination), but I felt like Brooke and Jeff were very open to this and excited about forming a lifelong relationship with their new trees, plants, and the new wildlife – insects, birds, mammals – that come along with them.”

Among the total 21 trees planted, the species selection was quite diverse. This Included: American elm, arborvitae, willow oak, river birch, bald cypress, hop hornbeam, redbud, serviceberry, sweetbay magnolia, witch hazel, and fringetree.

As for the garden, shrub species included: Witch alder, sweetspire, creeping sumac, summersweet, winterberry, inkberry, bayberry, and oakleaf hydrangea.

Jeff and Brooke had reached out to us to express their gratitude towards Evan, Maddie, and the Casey Trees crew members for their exceptional work on their yard, “project execution was great, too. The team was friendly, efficient, and mindful of the worksite.” Upon learning about their positive experience, we had the pleasure of interviewing them about how the changes have impacted their lives thus far.

Casey Trees (CT): Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Can you share what motivated you to contact Casey Trees initially?

Jeff and Brooke (J&B): Initially, the RiverSmart program. We were rehabbing an old house, but the yard needed just as much work. We really liked the idea of using native species and are still amazed that the shade trees and rain garden were offered through the DC DOEE. We already knew Casey Trees from the trees they planted in and around our previous neighborhood but didn’t realize that they also supported the RiverSmart Homes program and provided fee-based services like garden installations.

(CT): What benefits have your trees and garden brought to you and your home?

(J&B): We’ve seen many more birds, animals, and insects in our yard. It’s like a playground for critters. In a few years, the trees out front will start shading the house. That’s going to be a big deal as future summers roll around. Another big benefit – we’ve gotten to know more neighbors as they’ve stopped to chat about the little woodland going in.

(CT): How do you currently enjoy and utilize the space? Has it changed from before?

(J&B): Before, it was pretty barren. But now there’s a sheltered path that almost extends to the footprint of the house. Jeff will usually wander through it with a cup of coffee when he wakes up. All the additional birds and animals are fun for us to watch as well.

(CT): What would you say to a friend or neighbor who is skeptical or hesitant about adding trees or an ecological garden to their yard?

(J&B): This may have been the single best investment we made in rehabbing the house. We love that the result prioritizes environmental goals – water management, urban shade, & pollinators – but is also beautiful. Maddie’s vision flows much better than anything we would have dreamed up. Having her involved made us much more confident in our ultimate choices. Going native also means it’s not a ton of work once established, so we get to spend less time watering and more time enjoying!

And our collaboration with this enthusiastic couple isn’t over yet! While we added trees and shrubs to their yard in the spring, we’ll be working with them again in the fall to install more trees and create a perennial layer. Learn more about our RiverSmart Homes program today and discover how you can receive free trees. Additionally, use this form to reach out to us and schedule an ecological garden consult! Scroll down to enjoy the before and after of Jeff and Brooke’s beautiful yard!

BEFORE

AFTER