Delmarva Power offers free trees to help save energy
Delmarva Power is giving away more than 1,000 free trees to its residential customers through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees program.
Coming on the heels of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, this Earth-friendly and environmentally focused initiative helps customers reduce household energy use through strategic tree planting. Also, according to the National Wildlife Federation, research demonstrates that exposure to trees has a relaxing effect on humans, reducing stress and fostering a sense of well-being, benefits many customers could appreciate as the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic continue.
Delmarva Power customers can reserve one free tree per household by going to www.arborday.org/delmarva. They can choose one-gallon trees in various selections, including bald cypress, red maple, river birch and white oak. All trees will be delivered to customers’ homes between four and six weeks from when an online reservation is completed. Trees will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Joining with the Arbor Day Foundation, we are able to provide our customers with a great opportunity to save energy and make a difference in the environment,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, while also managing the health and well-being of our families, we are pleased to offer customers a special way to show their support for the future of our planet and promote sustainability in their neighborhood without leaving their homes.”
Trees provide benefits to a community by improving air and water quality, reducing stormwater runoff and adding to the visual appeal of a neighborhood. Since 2012, Delmarva Power has provided more than 10,430 trees for customers to plant, providing the opportunity for saving nearly 20.9 million kilowatt hours of energy and removing close to 153,000 pounds of air pollutants from the atmosphere, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. These trees are projected to provide more than $7.6 million in environmental benefits.
Through the Arbor Day Foundation website, customers can explore interactive tools to help them determine the best location on their property to plant their tree for energy-savings benefits. Properly planted trees can provide many benefits, such as reducing energy use through summer shading and winter wind protection.
Anyone planning to plant trees must call 811 at least a few days before beginning their dig to learn the approximate location of underground utility equipment. Taking the right steps before digging will help avoid accidental damage to underground lines that could disrupt services to surrounding neighbors and prevent potential injury from striking an underground electric, natural gas or other utility line. One free call to 811 connects callers to Miss Utility, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811.
Customers unable to reserve a free tree through the internet are encouraged to call 855-670-2771 to secure a tree.
