Delmarva Power customers can now request a free tree to plant at their home as part of the company’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees program. Residential customers can reserve a complimentary tree on a first-come, first-served basis and reap the energy-saving benefits that trees provide.

Delmarva Power will make 600 free trees available to customers throughout its Delaware and Maryland service areas. Customers can choose their tree from several types of species native to the northeast region, such as baldcypress, river birch, eastern redbud, flowering dogwood and red maple. Trees will be delivered via mail by the end of May.

To reserve a tree, go to arborday.org/Delmarva or call 855-670-2772. Delmarva Power reminds customers to know what's below and call 811 to have utility-owned underground lines marked before digging to plant any trees or shrubs.

“The trees planted under this program enhance our communities while providing numerous energy-saving and environmental benefits to our customers,” said Doug Mokoid, Delmarva Power region president. “In our 12th consecutive year of partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, we feel incredibly grateful for their collaboration to foster a program that aligns with our dedication to addressing environmental challenges faced by our community members. Together, we’ll create a path toward a cleaner energy future for all.”

When planted properly, trees provided through the program have the potential to reduce energy bills by 15% to 30% as they grow. Trees also play a critical role in protecting homes from the summer sun and breaking up winter winds for better energy efficiency, in addition to improving the air everyone breathes. Customers can find interactive tools online through the Arbor Day Foundation to help them determine where to plant their tree for energy savings.

“We are proud to continue an over decade-long partnership with Delmarva Power, whose dedication to the Energy-Saving Trees program only echoes the company’s larger commitment to improving their communities,” said Kristen Bousquet, Arbor Day Foundation program manager. “Trees provided through our program can help reduce carbon emissions and filter stormwater while also providing critical energy savings, benefiting both the environment and Delmarva Power valued customers.”

The trees distributed by Delmarva Power since beginning its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation are expected to absorb more than 195,072 pounds of air pollutants, save nearly 26.34 million kWh of energy and provide nearly $10 million in combined energy and community benefits.

Delmarva Power has been a Tree Line USA member for more than 20 years. Tree Line USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters that recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate America's urban tree canopy.