THE LEAFLET

You’re probably familiar with the saying, “The best things in life are free.” It’s a sentiment that reminds us that it’s the simple pleasures that bring our life the most meaning and enjoyment.

At Casey Trees, we understand the sentiment. We appreciate the simple pleasures life brings, including the beauty that trees bestow on our city. Trees also provide us with fresh air, clean water, cooling shade, and more — benefits we all reap. And yet, we understand that everything has a cost, even when it comes to trees. Ultimately, it’s a matter of whether the cost of a thing is worth the value we ascribe to it.

We’re ending the calendar year with more tree plantings and greater community engagement than ever! In 2023, we planted over 6,000 trees and worked with 51 schools to reach over 3,000 youth, meaning we invested roughly $2 million in growing and protecting our city’s trees this year. These are the most trees we’ve ever planted, and the most students we’ve ever reached, in a single year. It is only with support from people like you that we were able to exceed our program goals. And it is only with your support that we will be able to exceed expectations again in 2024.

We are proud to be able to offer free trees to communities across the District, from residences and parks to schools and houses of worship. But those trees do have a price. It costs just over $400 to grow one tree on our farm in Berryville, VA, transport it to DC, and then plant it in its forever home. Each year, Casey Trees plants over 6,000 trees, meaning we invest well over $2 million in growing and protecting our city’s trees per year.

That expense leaves a funding gap we need to overcome with the help of people like you, who believe in the value and importance of a robust urban tree canopy. That’s why we’re counting on your support this year — so that we can continue to provide free trees to the communities throughout DC that need them most.

An investment in trees is an investment in your future and that of your community. Here’s to another year of making our city a healthier and more beautiful place to live, work, and play. 

With gratitude,

Mark Buscaino, Executive Director