Holland Reporter

The Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) and the City of Holland will hold their annual Energy-Saving Trees Event, which this year will also feature a Native Plant Sale in partnership with the Ottawa Conservation District. The event is aimed at providing residents with free trees and affordable native plants to enhance their landscapes.

Residential customers of Holland BPW’s electric and water services are eligible for the tree giveaway. Interested participants must reserve a tree through the Arbor Day website beginning August 4, using their account number and address. A total of 400 trees will be available for reservation. On September 13, reserved trees can be picked up at the Service Center Parking Lot, where city staff will assist with loading during a drive-thru pick-up process. Attendees should bring the QR code confirmation from Arbor Day.

In addition to the tree giveaway, there will be a Native Plant Sale offering 700 native plants at $2 each. No reservation is required for purchasing these plants, but purchases are limited to five per person initially to ensure broad participation. Payment can be made by cash or card. Staff from Ottawa Conservation District, Holland BPW, and ODC Network will be present to provide guidance on plant selection.

The event is open only to residential customers of Holland BPW's electric and water services.

Attendees who are not picking up a tree are also encouraged to join the event to learn about native plants and environmental benefits. Polar Patrol will distribute free ice cream between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

According to organizers, trees offer energy savings by providing shade in summer and acting as windbreaks in winter, which helps reduce heating and cooling costs. "Since partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, 2,500 trees have been planted, and within 20 years, these trees are expected to save 899,385 kWh – enough power to support over 100 homes," they stated. Additionally, "trees help with water uptake, reducing runoff and erosion, and they play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen." Organizers also noted that "within 20 years, these trees will have sequestered over five million pounds of carbon!"

Native plants offered at the sale require less water and maintenance than non-native species due to their adaptation to local conditions. Their longer root systems help stabilize soil and reduce erosion while supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies that contribute to ecosystem health. The collaboration with Ottawa Conservation District aims to make native plants more accessible locally.

For further details or an event map, visit the event website.