Many municipalities are now offering rebates for home gardeners who create or maintain an environmentally-friendly landscape in their yards. The City of Chicago has developed the Sustainable Backyards educational and incentive program to promote sustainable landscapes. They periodically schedule educational workshops. Their incentive program includes the following rebates:

Trees (up to $100 back)
Native Plants (up to $60 back)
Compost Bins (up to $50 back)
Rain Barrels (up to $40 back)

The rebate amounts vary as they are allocated based upon the value of the ecosystem services provided by each product. Community, school, and church gardens are also eligible. To receive a rebate, submit a required form with receipt attached. The product must be purchased between September 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012, by an approved local retailer. Be patient, as it may take up to 90 days to receive your rebate. Click here for more details.

If you live outside the City of Chicago, check your local government website and see what programs are on offer.

Reprinted from MODE Landscape Design Vol 8: Time to Prune Flowering Shrubs, May 2012

Download and Print this article here.