Wichita homeowners who plant a qualifying tree can get $50 back from the city.

The new Residential Tree Rebate Pilot Program, first reported by the Wichita Eagle, offers up to two rebates per household for a maximum of $100. The city set aside $10,000 for the pilot, and applications are accepted first-come, first-served until the money is gone or Dec. 31, whichever comes first.

The program launched Sept. 1.

To qualify, a tree must be new and living, purchased from a licensed nursery or garden center, and at least 1½ inches in caliper or 5-gallon container size. The species must appear on the city's approved tree list, last updated in August 2023, which emphasizes drought-tolerant varieties suited to south-central Kansas. The tree must be planted on private residential property inside Wichita city limits.

Buyers must submit an application within 30 days of purchase. The application requires an itemized receipt, the tree species, purchase date, nursery name and the property address.

The rebate will not exceed the purchase price. Sales tax, delivery, planting labor, mulch, staking materials and watering bags are not covered.

Recipients agree to keep the tree healthy for at least two years and follow Wichita's current water-use schedule. The city said it reserves the right to conduct random inspections to confirm compliance.

The city described the pilot as an effort to encourage planting of trees adapted to the region's climate and suited for long-term growth in urban settings. In a statement reported by the Eagle, city officials said trees help reduce urban heat, improve air quality, conserve energy and make neighborhoods more resilient to extreme weather.

The rebate comes as the Wichita City Council invests more broadly in urban forestry. On Aug. 25, the council voted 6-1 to transfer $400,000 from the General Fund to a cash-funded urban forestry backlog and restoration project, according to council records. Council member Brandon Wu cast the lone no vote.

After the pilot ends, city staff plan to evaluate participation, the species planted, where in the city trees went in and how much of the budget was used. Those findings will determine whether the rebate becomes an annual program.

Applications are available at wichita.gov/treerebate.