We are excited to announce our annual Energy-Saving Trees Event and, for the first time, a Native Plant Sale in collaboration with the Ottawa Conservation District. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our residential customers to enhance their landscape with free trees and affordable native plants.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 13
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: Service Center Parking Lot, 625 Hastings Ave
Free Tree Giveaway
For several years, we have proudly offered a free tree giveaway to our residential water and electric customers. To participate customers must reserve their tree on the Arbor Day website. You can reserve your tree starting August 4th.
We offer a curated list of tree species. The portal to reserve your tree will open in August. You will need your account number and address to complete the reservation. Once reserved, come to our Service Center Parking Lot on the event day to pick up your tree. Our City Parks staff will be on hand to load the trees into your vehicle. Tree pick-up will be a drive-thru.
After picking up your tree, you can park in the lot and browse our selection of Native Plants. To pick up your tree, please bring the QR code generated by Arbor Day when you reserved your tree.
Tree Species Available
Species | Common Name | Preferred Conditions | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
Spruce, White | White Spruce | Full sun, moist to dry soil | 40-60ft |
Pine, White | Eastern White Pine | Full sun to part shade, moist well-drained soil | 50-80ft |
Dogwood, Bailey's Red Twig | Baily's Red Twig Dogwood | Full sun to part shade, moist soil | 6-9ft |
Ninebark, Ginger Wine | Physocarpus opulifolius 'Ginger Wine' | Full sun to part shade, adaptable to various soils | 5-6ft |
Spruce, Norway | Norway Spruce | Full sun to part shade, adaptable to various soils | 40-60ft |
Native Plant Sale
This year, we are thrilled to introduce a Native Plant Sale in partnership with the Ottawa Conservation District. They will be bringing 700 native plants, available for purchase at just $2 each. Unlike the trees, these plants do not need to be reserved. Simply park in the lot, browse the selection, and choose your favorites. To ensure everyone has a chance to participate, we are initially limiting the purchase to 5 plants per person. Customers can pay with cash or card. Ottawa Conservation District, Holland BPW, and Outdoor Discovery Network staff will be on hand to answer any questions about what plants may be suitable for your home.
Link to Deer Resistant Species
Native Plants Available
Species (Common Name) | Sun | Moisture |
|---|---|---|
Swamp Milkweed | Full sun | Moist to wet |
Butterfly Weed | Full sun | Dry to medium |
New England Aster | Full sun to part shade | Medium to moist |
Smooth Blue Aster | Full sun to part shade | Medium |
Purple Coneflower | Full sun | Medium |
Rough Blazing Star | Full sun | Medium |
Marsh Blazing Star | Full sun | Moist to wet |
Cardinal Flower | Full sun | Moist to wet |
Spotted Beebalm | Full sun | Moist to wet |
Brown-eyed Susan | Full sun to part shade | Medium |
Black-eyed Susan | Full sun | Dry to medium |
Blue Vervain | Full sun | Moist to wet |
Hoary Vervain | Full sun | Dry |
Why We Do This
We give away trees and sell native plants at a discounted price because of their numerous benefits to our community and the environment. Trees are not only beautiful but also incredibly functional. They can provide significant energy savings for homes by offering shade in the summer and acting as windbreaks in the winter, reducing heating and cooling costs. 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.
Native plants, on the other hand, are well-adapted to our local environment and require less water and maintenance compared to non-native species. Their longer root systems help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion. Native plants also support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, the selection of native plants in area stores is limited to a few species. By collaborating with Ottawa Conservation District, we can offer our customers a wider selection at a discounted price. By planting native species, we can create more resilient and sustainable gardens that benefit both people and nature.
Please mark your calendars and join us for a day of community, conservation, and greenery. We look forward to seeing you there!
Open to All
Even if you are not picking up a tree, we invite our customers to join us at the event. It's a great opportunity to learn more about native plants and how they can benefit your garden and the environment.
For more information and to reserve your tree, visit the Arbor Day website arborday.org/HBPW. Feel free to reach out by emailing energysmaryhome@hollandbpw.com or by calling 616-355-1534 if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Polar Patrol
We are excited to announce that Polar Patrol will be joining us at the event and giving away free ice cream between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Make sure to stop by their booth to enjoy a delicious treat while you browse the native plants and pick up your free tree. It's a great way to cool down!
Call MISS DIG 811
Remember to call MISS DIG 811 before you plant your tree or native plants! You are responsible for assuring the utilites on your property are clearly marked to avoid damage. It is important to make it know what is below the ground before you start to dig.
Map of Event
