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Tree Give-Away Program Starts Today
Properly planted trees save energy, improve electric reliability
Grow energy savings and reliability through strategic tree planting. Learn how and get a free tree with the Florida Forest Service’s Energy-Saving Trees program. We’re giving away 10,000 trees to Florida residents in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. The program, now in its fourth year, officially kicks off on January 15th, Florida’s Arbor Day.
The goal of the program is to educate homeowners on proper tree planting practices. By planting the right species in the right location, a tree won’t grow into power lines which can disrupt electric service. Strategic planting also has the benefit of reducing energy costs by as much as 30 percent, and providing shade during the summer.
Beginning today, homeowners can find the best planting locations on their property by using an online tool at www.arborday.org/floridatrees to reserve a tree. Enter your address to pull up an aerial view of your home and property. Select one of tree varieties available. Then, move the tree around the property to determine how the placement of that tree would impact your energy efficiency. The program calculates anticipated savings as the tree matures. It also reminds homeowners of the importance of planting the tree the proper distance from overhead power lines to avoid interference.
These trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will continue state-wide until all 10,000 trees are reserved.
Remember, this tool is not a replacement for the Digger’s Hotline. Homeowners still must contact the hotline to locate underground utilities located before planting. They can do so by visiting Sunshine811 or by dialing 811.
State of Florida homeowners will be able to reserve one tree per address until supplies run out. After an order is placed, a tree measuring between two-feet and four-feet tall will be shipped right to their door at no charge.
The “Energy-Saving Trees” online tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute, a division of Davey Tree Expert Co. It uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree software to calculate estimated benefits from energy savings to environmental impacts.
About the Arbor Day Foundation:
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org, or by visiting us on Facebook, Twitter or our blog.
