Letter: Help Monticello’s tree canopy by applying for Tree Board grant

To the editor,

Trees in urban areas benefit city residents in many different ways. Increased physical and mental health, as well as economic benefits like tourism, business, and attracting and retaining workers result from having a healthy tree canopy. Did you know a healthy tree canopy can add to your property value up to 20%? Environmental benefits are numerous. Air and water are cleaner. Trees conserve energy by breaking up harsh winter winds, and shading buildings, streets, and sidewalks in the summer. The temperature difference between sun and shade can be 15-20 degrees. Trees bring beauty to yards and parks, and attract birds. Tree leaves catch and hold rain water and reduce storm water runoff.

The Monticello Tree Board has received nearly $25,000 in grant funding over the last three years, allowing the planting of more than 200 trees within our community. With grant cycles beginning again this fall, we urge you to consider applying for a street tree to plant in your right-of-way. You can find the application for street trees by scanning the QR code found on flyers in City Hall, the Berndes Center, and the Monticello Library. Hard copies of the application may be picked up at and returned to City Hall.

Please do your part in beautifying Monticello.

                                   Monticello Tree Board

Marvin Kelchen

Gaylen Kray

Kyle Stadtmueller

Anne Strittmatter