Tree Program
Plant Trees to Conserve
- One acre of trees absorbs as much CO2 as a car produces by driving 26,000 miles.
- Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10% to a property's value.
- Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of a household's heating and cooling energy consumption.
- The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours per day.
- Trees can intercept from 7-22 percent of storm water runoff, reducing storm water, and groundwater pollution.
We’ve partnered with American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Tree Power program – a nationwide effort by public power utilities to plant trees.
We’ve partnered with the following local nurseries to give you discounts on the purchase of deciduous shade trees: Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center, Maier Forest and Tree, and Sargent’s Gardens. For the full Partners in Planting brochure and a coupon good for $10 off a shade tree or $20 off a tree service at one of the participating nurseries, click here.
Now we want to partner with YOU to plant trees all over Rochester!
Green Means Clean!
Why is RPU forming so many partnerships to “green-up” Rochester?
Planting trees makes sense for your pocketbook, your family’s health, and for the future of the environment.
How to Plant a Tree
Follow these basic tree-planting rules and you will save energy and money on your utility bills.
Plant deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees on the south and west sides of your home to:
- Provide energy-saving shade and save on your utility bill.
- Reduce the demand on your air-conditioning system in summer months.
- Allow sunshine to warm your home during winter months.
Plant evergreen trees on the north and west sides of your home to:
- Create a windbreak that blocks cold winter winds.
- Save energy and money on your heating bill.
- Ease the load on your home heating system.
For information on tree placement, click here.
Before you plant, remember to:
- Call before you dig! Contact Gopher State One-Call at 800.252.1166.
- Plant your trees the proper distance from your home.
- Avoid placing trees under power lines.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, an early pioneer to Nebraska who loved nature and saw the need for planting trees in the vast prairies of the state. Arbor Day was first observed in 1872, when more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world.
Celebrate Arbor Day
Each year, beginning on the last Friday in April, RPU encourages the Rochester community to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Click here for details on our Arbor Day events and plan to have your family attend!
For more information about Arbor Day, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website at www.arborday.org.
