Vermont Business Magazine A new program offering over 300 young trees at no cost to Vermont Electric Co-op members for planting this spring as an energy-saving measure has seen keen interest, and VEC isurging members who are interested in a tree to reserve one soon.
“This tree giveaway has been very popular - we only have a few trees left,” saidVEC Manager of Forestry Sara Packer.
VEC teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to offer the program, known as Energy Saving Trees, to help members save energy at their property.
Packer notes that if VEC members plant a tree on their property in the right location, they can save money on energy bills. “Trees provide shade in hot weather, which reduces the use of air conditioning, and can provide a wind barrier in cold weather – that reduces the need for heating,” she said. Trees also improve air and water quality as well, among other benefits.
VECmembers can reserve free trees, on a first come-first-served basis, atwww.arborday.org/VECand pick them up at VEC’s annual meetingMay 12at Smugglers’ Notch resort orMay 19at VEC’s Grand Isle, Newport and Richford locations.
While supplies last, members can choose their free tree from among five species: river birch, red maple, serviceberry, red cedar, and pin oak. The trees range in size from two to four feet tall but all will grow taller once planted. VEC is offering one tree per member. At the pick-up points, VEC will offer instructions to members on how to plant and care for their tree and will help load the tree into their vehicles.
Members should visitwww.arborday.org/VECto reserve their tree. They can call 1-800-832-2667 or email[email protected]with questions.