Garden centers: Are you looking for a promotional tool that could to help you sell more trees? Here’s one. The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is offering “treebates” for city residents who buy a tree and plant it in their yard between now and April 30, 2010.

The money comes back to the customer in the form of a utility credit. The buyer must choose an eligible tree from a list. The treebate will be for 50 percent of the value of the tree, up to a $40 maximum, but the max goes up to $50 if the tree is a Willamette Valley native.

Portland officials are encouraging retailers to mention the treebates in their customer communications. An electronic copy of the treebate form (PDF) is available and can be redistributed. Additionally, companies and service providers can register with www.workinggreenportland.com, a service that links property owners to businesses.

Retail display signage will be available for nurseries located within the city of Portland. For more information on the treebate program, call Jennifer Karps, 503-823-2263.