Chattanooga’s Green Initiative Blossoms: Free Tree ReLeaf Program Returns for Third Installment

Graphic Courtesy of EPB

Chattanooga, TN – Starting this Saturday, October 21st, EPB customers in Chattanooga have the opportunity to enhance their communities and contribute to the city’s green spaces through the Free Tree ReLeaf program. In collaboration with the City of Chattanooga and Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, EPB customers can receive up to 2 trees per household.

This initiative represents the third installment of the semi-annual partnership, aiming to increase native plant species in Chattanooga’s canopy. The program aligns Reflection Riding’s efforts to bolster native plant species with the City’s work on stormwater quality improvement and EPB Energy Pros arborists’ expertise in strategic tree planting to prevent power outages.

Reflection Riding staff and volunteers will assist households in selecting the most suitable tree species for their yards and neighborhoods. To participate, customers can visit the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center Native Plant Garden at 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419, starting from October 21st until supplies run out. The center will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the program concludes for the season on November 18th.

Customers are encouraged to bring their addresses for verification of their residency in EPB’s service area. To prepare, residents can visit epb.com/free-tree-releaf/ to learn about available tree species. Trees cannot be reserved in advance; inventory details are available on the website.

The Free Tree ReLeaf program offers 9 species of native trees and shrubs, carefully chosen for their status as native plants and benefits to wildlife. Some of the featured species include American Holly, Arrowwood Viburnum, Sweetbay Magnolia, and Wax Myrtle. Information on ideal planting conditions, guides, and care instructions can be found at epb.com/free-tree-releaf/.

The Free Tree ReLeaf program, initially established to improve stormwater drainage and water quality following the Easter tornadoes in 2020, has expanded since fall 2022 to include all EPB customers. Along with the trees, EPB Energy Pros offer free home energy advice and resources to customers, further enhancing the community’s overall environmental sustainability.

SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse