TREES ARE GOOD FOR THE EARTH AND LOWER ENERGY BILLS
Xcel Energy's tree planting guide helps customers make informed choices

Trees play a vital role in enhancing the natural environment. For Texas and New Mexico residents looking to save on electric bills, they also effectively reduce the impact of summer heat.

Xcel Energy is encouraging customers to use its online tree-planting guide to make informed decisions on what and where to plant based on our region's unique growing conditions.

"Trees are really appreciated by our customers, not just for their beauty but also their ability to block the wind and shade the sun," said Gordon Lee, program manager for Xcel Energy's vegetation management group in Amarillo. "We suggest utilizing our website, investing in the right trees, and planting them in the right place to minimize interference with power lines. This way, everyone stays safe, and we can keep our electrical system running smoothly."

Strategically planned landscaping is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy expenses, paying for itself in energy savings in seven to 10 years. Shaded areas can be 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than unshaded areas. Planting appropriate trees around homes and businesses can alleviate the heat and reduce the frequency of air conditioning cycles, easing the strain on equipment and lowering monthly electric bills.

Customers can find information on optimal tree planting locations and suitable varieties for the region on the sustainable landscaping - Opens in new window page of xcelenergy.com. Some tips include:

• Shade west walls and windows with deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees that create shade in the summer and, after leaves fall off, allow sunlight to warm the home in the winter.

• Plant vines and shrubs next to the home to create a blanket of air space that insulates outside walls in winter and summer. A trellis with climbing vines or a planter box with trailing plants can form screens that block the sun yet allow cooling breezes to flow through.

• Plant low shrubs and ground covers around the home to reduce reflection of solar heat from roads, driveways, walks, patios or water.

• Plant trees and shrubs to shade air conditioning units from the sun, helping them to run up to 10% more efficiently. Be sure branches and leaves don't restrict airflow.

Trees and shrubs should be planted 15 to 35 feet away from utility lines and never directly beneath overhead lines. Keeping utility lines clear of tree growth ensures customer safety, service reliability, and can reduce future tree maintenance costs.

Xcel Energy also reminds customers to call 811 to have underground lines marked before starting any landscaping projects that involve digging, such as tree planting.