-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is once again offering its widely requested Tree for All program this fall, providing hundreds of residential customers the chance to receive desert-adapted shade trees for their homes. Since its launch in 2022, the program has become a seasonal highlight, combining environmental benefits with practical improvements to homes and neighborhoods across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.
This year, IID plans to distribute 1,300 trees, an increase from the roughly 1,000 trees planted in both 2023 and 2024. The trees are selected specifically to thrive in the region’s arid climate and, when planted strategically, can reduce home cooling costs by up to 20 percent. Beyond energy savings, the trees provide cleaner air, create more inviting streetscapes, and enhance overall neighborhood aesthetics.
To ensure a fair distribution, IID will use a lottery system for the first time, allowing residents more time to sign up without the pressure of a first-come, first-served process. The sign-up period opens online at 10 a.m. on August 25 and closes at 5 p.m. on September 2. Winners will be notified within four to six weeks following the close of registration. Each residential household is eligible to receive one tree every 12 months.
“This is one of the most rewarding programs we offer,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “It’s amazing to see how a single tree can transform a home and neighborhood, over time, how thousands of trees can transform our communities.”
IID Vice Chairman JB Hamby noted the broader impact of the program, emphasizing that Tree for All is more than just planting trees.
“From the beginning, Tree for All has been about more than planting trees—it’s about planting long-term improvements to our quality of life,” said IID Vice Chairman JB Hamby. “When you add up the thousands of shade trees we’ve put in the ground since 2022, you see the cumulative benefit: cooler homes, lower energy costs, cleaner air, and neighborhoods that feel more inviting year after year.”
The Tree for All program has steadily expanded since its inception, beginning with 500 trees in 2022. Its growth reflects both the popularity of the program and IID’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By focusing on desert-adapted species, the initiative ensures that trees will flourish in the local climate while providing long-term benefits to residents.
In addition to improving residential comfort, the program aligns with IID’s larger mission of promoting energy conservation and enhancing quality of life for the communities it serves. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to monitor the program’s website for updates and detailed instructions on how to register for this year’s lottery.
With the return of Tree for All, IID continues to offer a practical, community-focused program that transforms neighborhoods, supports sustainability, and fosters greener, healthier living spaces throughout the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.
