Plant Some Shade program to offer discounted trees in Cedar Rapids area

MidAmerican Energy Company residential customers in the Cedar Rapids area can now go online and fill out an order form to purchase discounted trees. Through MidAmerican Energy's Plant Some Shade program, customers can purchase up to two, 2 1/2- to 10-foot landscape trees for $30 each, including shumard oak, heritage oak, sassafras, 'Autumn Brilliance” serviceberry and hophornbeam.

Tree order forms are available at www.midamericanenergy.com/ia-res-trees.aspx.

Advance purchase is required. Trees will be available for pickup from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 18 at Cedar Rapids City Services Center, 500 15th Ave. SW. Tree purchases are initially limited to two trees per household. In the event additional trees are available on distribution day, they will be released for purchase at 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis until all trees are sold.

The Plant Some Shade program promotes long-term energy savings by encouraging residents to plant trees around their homes. Strategically placed deciduous trees provide shade on hot summer days, easing the cooling load on air conditioners, while conifers shield homes from blustery Iowa winter winds. The program is funded by MidAmerican Energy in partnership with City of Cedar Rapids, Public Works-Forestry and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

For more information please contact the City of Cedar Rapids Public Works-Forestry at (319) 286-5802.