IID to offer Coachella Valley customers free shade trees

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) - Imperial Irrigation District customers in the Coachella Valley will have an opportunity to enter into a lottery to have a shade tree professionally installed at their residence starting Monday.   

Customers will be able to sign up for the program Monday through Sept. 11 online at  https://www.iid.com/customer-service/save-energy-and-money/your-home/tree-for-all.  

The "Residential Shade Tree'' program offers customers the chance to receive one shade tree installed free of charge by a licensed contractor. Lottery winners will be selected and contacted by representatives within four to six weeks after the sign-up period.

Officials said the trees provide natural shade around a home, which can help reduce cooling costs and improve air quality.   

"Shade trees are a simple but meaningful way to help customers save energy and improve their homes,'' Karin Eugenio, board chairwoman, said in a statement. "This program provides a direct benefit to customers while also supporting healthier, more beautiful communities across IID's service area."

Each tree was selected to thrive in desert areas, officials said.