Partners in Planting

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) proudly participates in the Tree Line USA^® program from the Arbor Day Foundation, which recognizes utilities that provide safe, reliable electric service while protecting urban forests. This partnership supports responsible tree planting and maintenance practices that benefit both the community and the environment.

Through RPU’s Partners in Planting program, we collaborate with local businesses to help residents grow a greener Rochester. We have teamed up with Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center and Sargent’s Gardens to offer a $20 discount on qualifying deciduous shade trees. Additionally, we partner with ArborWise and Davey Tree, trusted local arborists, to provide $20 off a professional tree service. 

How to Download and Print Your Coupon

To use a coupon, please follow these steps:

On a computer (desktop or laptop):

• Select the coupon image you would like to use
• Right-click on the image and select “Open image in new tab”
• Once the image opens, press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac)
• Choose your printer and select Print

On a mobile device (phone or tablet):

• Tap and hold the coupon image
• Select “Open in new tab” or “Save image” (option may vary by device)
• Open the saved image and use your device’s Share or Print option

If you need assistance or would like this coupon in an alternative format, please contact Rochester Public Utilities at 507-280-1500.

We invite you to partner with us to plant trees throughout Rochester and make our community greener and healthier.

Why Trees Matter

Planting trees benefits your wallet, your family’s health, and the environment. Properly positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy used for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Trees also clean the air. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people for one year and absorbs as much carbon dioxide as a car emits by driving 26,000 miles. Planting strategically helps reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable community.

Where to Plant a Tree

Choosing the right type of tree and location maximizes energy savings and utility bill reductions. Deciduous trees, which shed leaves in winter, are best planted on the south and west sides of your home. They provide summer shade to reduce cooling costs and allow winter sunlight to warm your home. Evergreen trees are ideal for the north and west sides of your home, acting as windbreaks against cold winter winds, reducing heating costs, and easing the load on your heating system. Proper placement also helps prevent conflicts with power lines. Learn more in our tree placement and trimming guidelines.

Before You Plant

Always follow safety and city guidelines before planting a tree. Call before you dig by contacting Gopher State One Call before you dig online or by phone at 811. If you plan to plant in a boulevard or right-of-way, contact the Rochester Parks & Recreation Forestry Division at 507-328-2515 or visit the City of Rochester Forestry Permits page for permit requirements and application information. Avoid planting under power lines, maintain proper distance from your home, and consult a nursery or garden center professional for guidance. To ensure proper clearance from power lines and avoid future issues, view RPU's tree placement and trimming guidelines.

Celebrate Arbor Day with RPU

Arbor Day honors the vital role trees play in our lives. The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska, when more than one million trees were planted following the proposal of pioneer J. Sterling Morton. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated across all 50 U.S. states and in other countries, often on the last Friday in April or the best planting date for the local climate.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Its members and partners have helped plant more than half a billion trees worldwide in communities, forests, and habitats where they can have the greatest impact on climate, biodiversity, and human well-being.

Each year, RPU hosts a special Arbor Day event to bring the Rochester community together to celebrate trees and nature. The event is fun and educational for all ages, focusing on ways everyone can help care for the environment. Learn more about RPU’s Arbor Day Celebration.

For additional information about the history and impact of Arbor Day, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website.