CV Residents Encouraged To Sign Up For Free Shade Trees Through Monday

PALM DESERT, CA — Coachella Valley residents will have until Monday to sign-up to have a free tree planted at their residence at no cost as part of a program designed to improve air quality, cool neighborhoods and build community resilience.

The Shade Trees for Southern California Desert program led by Imperial Irrigation District, in partnership with Coachella Valley Association of Governments, aims to plant 6,000 15-gallon shade trees across the Imperial and Coachella valleys over a three-year period in an effort to combat extreme heat and expand tree canopy throughout desert communities.

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Officials said half of the trees will be planted at residential properties by a certified arborist, while the other half will be planted in public spaces, especially in disadvantaged and under-served communities.

Participants do not need to be IID customers to enter in the program. One tree will be provided while supplies last and chosen through a random selection lottery.

Funding was provided by a $2.9 million grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Inflation Reduction Act.

"Planting these trees today will ensure we have more shade at homes and better air quality for the Coachella Valley in the future," IID Vice Chair JB Hamby said in a statement. "IID is proud to partner with CVAG to make Coachella Valley a greener and cooler place to live, work and recreate."

Trees will be planted starting next month. To sign-up, go to get.arborday.org/iid.