Shade Tree Rebate Program Brochure

Shade Tree Rebate Program A practical guide to selecting, planting and caring for your shade tree

A consumer program brought to you by Turlock Irrigation District

Trees must be planted within 10 to 50 feet of the building foundation to achieve maximum energy efficiency without negatively impacting any dwellings, businesses, underground pipes, utility lines or solar panels.

Seasonal Shadow Lengths June 21 Summer Solstice*

Noon

9 a.m. & 3 p.m.

8 a.m. & 4 p.m.

*Summer shadows fall in west-southwest direction in morning; in east-southeast direction in afternoon.

80’

147’

68’

15’

60’

51’

11’

130’

40’

34’

7’

87’

20’ 4’

17’

43’

Planting Your Tree 1. Before planting your tree, be sure that the tree in the container is moist.

2. Dig a hole twice as wide and 1 ½ times as deep as the container. Mix the soil, compost and tree fertilizer. Be sure that you have broken through any hard (compacted) soil that is below the tree. This will provide drainage and encourage deep rooting of your tree. Return a few inches of the mixture to the hole.

3. Carefully remove the tree from the container. Plant at the correct depth (see diagram). The top of the soil from the tree should be at ground level, slightly visible after planting.

4. Fill the hole around the tree with the soil-fertilizer mixture.

5. Build a 2” watering basin around the plant (see diagram).

6. Apply 2” of mulch over the soil to keep the plant cool.

7. Remove the thin nursery stake if your tree is tied to one. If your tree is sturdy enough to hold itself upright, do not re-stake. If the tree needs help to stand upright, use two stakes and ties. Place the stakes on opposite sides of the tree, approximately 18” from the trunk. Each tie should be placed around the trunk and attached to a stake. Place the ties so the tree stands without leaning, but tie them loosely enough to allow for growth and movement.

More than one set of ties is not usually needed; extra ties will keep the tree from flexing and strengthening in the wind.

Periodically check the stakes and ties to ensure they are still in place and the tree is not being damaged by rubbing against the stakes. Remove the stakes as soon as the tree is well-rooted and the trunk is strong, usually within one year of planting.

8. Water two to three times immediately after planting. Rule of thumb: At each watering a one gallon plant needs one gallon of water, a five gallon plant needs five gallons of water, etc.

(209) 883-8432 www.tid.org 9.16 .10

Shade Tree Rebate Program Application To receive your rebate, complete both sides of this application entirely, attach copies of receipts and mail to: Turlock Irrigation District, Attention: Rebates P.O. Box 949, Turlock, CA 95381-0949 or bring to any TID customer service location.

Applicant’s Name TID Account Number Mailing Address

Phone Number (

)

Address where trees are planted

Terms and Conditions All rebates are subject to inspection and verification.

Rebates and terms described herein are subject to change and availability of funds.

Rebate application must be accurately and fully completed before a rebate will be issued.

Rebate application must be submitted within six (6) months of shade tree purchase.

Species of Trees Planted 1.

2.

3.

I, the undersigned, agree that any and all trees for which I receive a rebate through the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) Shade Tree Rebate Program (the Program) are my trees and not the responsibility or property of TID. I understand that I will care for the trees and be fully liable for any damage to person or property which may be caused by the planting, maintenance and presence of the trees, or is in any way related to my receipt of the trees under the Program. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless TID, its officers, employees and agents from any damages related to the trees I purchase through the Program.

Applicant’s Signature* *If tenant/renter, property owner must sign application.

Date 9.16.10

Place an “X” on the diagram to indicate the location of your tree(s). Write “FRONT” to indicate the location of the front of your house. Trees must be planted within 10 to 50 feet of the building foundation.