Communities aiming to enhance their publicly-owned properties can now benefit from Ameren Illinois' Right Tree, Right Place program. By visiting Ameren Illinois Grants, municipalities can learn about available grants to support tree planting near city halls, schools, and libraries. The program also allows partnerships with Ameren Illinois' vegetation management team to identify and remove hazardous trees.
Properly placed trees provide energy savings by offering summer shade and winter windbreaks. Removing dead or unstable trees that threaten power lines is also a key focus. Grants start at $500, assisting municipalities with both planting and removal projects.
"Many towns in our service territory need help maintaining or removing trees in their communities," said Rick Johnson, Vegetation Manager for Ameren Illinois. "The Right Tree, Right Place program can help with that burden." Grant funds can also be used for:
- Maintenance of existing trees
- Developing a community-wide tree management plan
- Obtaining a Tree City USA certification
Trees in public rights-of-way, especially those interfering with power lines, are eligible for this program. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and the Ameren Illinois vegetation management team will coordinate tree removals with municipalities, though municipalities are responsible for debris removal.
Applications are open from April to August, with funds awarded in November. Each municipality may submit one grant per year. For more details, please visit Ameren Illinois Grants.
