Ocala Electric Utility is offering to provide customers with a free tree for their property.
According to OEU, planting trees around the home will not only help reduce the amount of energy the home requires, but the trees will also increase property value, reduce the homeowner’s carbon footprint, improve air quality, and catch stormwater runoff.
Energy-Saving Trees is a program through the Arbor Day Foundation, and sponsored by OEU, that aims to help homeowners understand where to plant trees on their property for maximum energy savings.
Through this program, OEU customers can be provided with one free tree while supplies last. A total of 300 trees are available, including Dahoon Holly, Lacebark (Drake) Elm, and Tonto Crape Myrtle.
The trees will be delivered directly to the customers at an ideal time for planting.
Kristen Bousquet, program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation, said, “This program enables utility providers an opportunity to become directly involved with their communities. This unique program benefits utility providers, their customers, and the communities they serve by finding natural ways to conserve energy. The right trees in the right place can help a homeowner save up to 30% on their electric bill.”
For more information, or to reserve a tree, visit the Arbor Day Foundation Energy-Saving Trees webpage.