This Earth Day and Arbor Day, we’re celebrating the superheroes of our environment: trees! From our backyards to our city parks, trees are always working hard. They clean the air we breathe, cool hot summer days, filter stormwater, prevent floods, and bring us wonder and joy.
And while the DC area’s urban forest is robust, there’s still room to grow.
That’s why we’ve put together a few ways you can celebrate Earth Day—or Arbor Day, which is this Friday, April 25.
WATER THE TREES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Watering young trees is vital! During the warmer months, they need up to 25 gallons of water a week, which is equivalent to about 1.5 inches of rainfall. During a drought or dry spell, all trees can use some water, especially street trees.
While the District’s Urban Forestry Division maintains over 175,000 street trees in the right of way, they encourage residents to help during extreme heat and drought. It’s easy to use the District’s tree watering app to find and tag young trees you’ve watered.
Remember: Even mature trees appreciate extra water! We break down everything you need to know about watering trees here.
BECOME A CASEY TREES SUPPORTER
Given new uncertainties in federal and local grants, we need your support now more than ever. Millions of federal dollars supporting forestry efforts have been paused. And while the future is unclear, our commitment to making our region cleaner, greener, and healthier is undeterred.
With your support, we can keep planting and caring for trees in schools, parks, and neighborhoods across the DMV for years to come.
Plus, in honor of Arbor Day this Friday, Casey Trees supporters get early access to our 17th annual Tree Report Card, which evaluates DC’s urban forest by examining its successes over the past year and areas for improvement. Become a donor today to see how DC grades before anyone else!
PLANT A TREE IN YOUR YARD AND GET MONEY BACK
Most of us have heard the famous proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time is now.” And what better way to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day than by giving a tree its forever home? Just purchase and plant a tree on private property in DC, and you can get $50 or $100 back (depending on the species) through our tree rebate program.
VOLUNTEER & GET INVOLVED
Your impact matters. From invasive removals to tree care events, there are countless opportunities to help protect and grow the trees and green spaces we all love in DC. Check out our upcoming events here.
Want to do more? Tell your company to partner with us by sponsoring a tree planting or tree care in the DC metro area.
Together, we can protect DC’s urban forest for generations to come.
