Value of Trees to a Community

Your local public power system cares about this community and its future. To preserve our world and infrastructure for our children and grandchildren, we all need to do our part. Below are some tips on energy conservation and the benefits of planting trees. We hope that you use this information to strengthen our community now and for generations yet to come.

• The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. U.S. Department of Agriculture
• If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%. Dr. E Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research
• One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. U.S. Department of Agriculture
• There are about 60- to 200-million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs. National Wildlife Federation
• Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20% to 50% in energy used for heating. USDA Forest Service

Tips from the Arbor Day Foundation