Duke Energy, TreesSC Launch the Energy Saving Trees program
Duke Energy has created a program to educate the consumer on ways to utilize trees to reduce electricity costs in their homes. Through a partnership with Duke Energy, Trees SC is distributing FREE trees along with educational materials to ensure proper planting and maintenance of the trees. The main focus of this program emphasizes conserving energy and reducing energy bills through strategic tree planting.
Residents will have an opportunity to pick up their free tree during one of two giveaways:
- Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Pee Dee Plant and Flower Festival (Pee Dee State Farmers Market, 2513 West Lucas Street, Florence)
- Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Florence Farmers Market (369 West Cheves Street, Florence).
What Benefits Do Trees Provide?
Trees provide many benefits to our homes and communities. They enhance the look of our home as well as provide food and shelter to wildlife. However, when planted properly, trees may also provide energy savings. As trees grow, the shade they provide will help protect your home from mid to late afternoon sun and can help you save approximately 35% in energy costs. For most locations, the correct placement of the tree is on the west or northwest side of your home. Other places to plant trees would be near air condition units to help them run more efficiently.
How Can I Receive a Free Tree?
Simple. Just sign up for pre-registration to secure your free tree. The pre-registration asks for your name, address, email, and phone number. Participants agree to participate in surveys and communication with Trees SC over the next 12 months to help determine the energy savings resulting from the tree planting as well to provide additional education and resources to ensure the tree’s viability. Only one tree will be given per household.
What Kind of Tree Will I Get?
Participants will receive a Red Bud tree, which is a deciduous tree and grows to about 20- 30 feet in height and about 15 feet in width. Red Buds have colorful lavender-pink blossoms in the spring and leaf out to provide your home with shade during the summer months. This tree then drops its leaves in the fall to allow the sun to help warm your home in the winter. This tree will come in a 3-gallon container and is approximately 3- 4 feet tall, allowing it to fit easily into your car.
How and Where Do I Plant This Tree?
Placement is easy. Just notice where the sun hits the house the most and plant the tree in that location so that when it grows to maturity, it will shade the house from the sun. This is typically the west and northwest side of your home. Make sure you plant the tree at least 15 feet from your home so that it has room to grow.
This sounds great!
What do I do next?
Just click on the tab below, select the giveaway event you want to pick up your tree, and fill out the pre-registration form. We will then send you a confirmation email with the event date and time for the pickup.