Energy-Saving Tree Giveaway 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.
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 show up at one of the designated locations on the specified time and date to receive your free tree. All trees are first come, first served. Only one tree will be given per household. The designated times/locations are as follows:
Saturday, April 4, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Sumter Earth Day Celebration (Swan Lake Iris Gardens, 822 W. Liberty Street, Sumter)
Saturday, April 25, 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 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Florence Farmers Market (200 Sanborn Street, Florence)
Red Cedar
What Kind of Tree Will I Get?
Participants will receive either a Dwarf Chinkapin Oak OR an Eastern Red Cedar tree, depending on quantity. Dwarf Chinkapin Oak are small trees or shrubs that mature at 3-12′ tall, while Eastern Red Cedar trees produce medium green foliage and matures at 40′-50′.
Dwarf Chinkapin Oak
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?
You don’t even need to sign up! Just visit Trees SC at one of the following locations on the associated date. All tree giveaways are first come, first serve.
Saturday, April 4, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Sumter Earth Day Celebration (Swan Lake Iris Gardens, 822 W. Liberty Street, Sumter)
Saturday, April 25, 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 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Florence Farmers Market (200 Sanborn Street, Florence)