Tree Line USA® promotes the dual goals of safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees across utility service areas. This benefits both utility companies and communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities that demonstrate practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests.
Benefits
Environmental responsibility
Energy conservation
Trees help conserve energy, lowering peak energy demand through increased canopy and better placement of trees.
Stormwater control
To cope with storm runoff, cities must construct expensive systems to capture and control stormwater. Healthy trees intercept rainfall that would otherwise run off impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roads, and parking lots, leading to fewer downed lines during storms.
Clean & cool air
As a by-product of commerce and development, urban areas generate heat and pollution. Large shade trees filter air and reduce ambient temperatures.
Customer trust
Property values
One healthy shade tree can increase property values up to 10%. Invest in your home or community by planting trees. Explore the free National Tree Benefit Calculator by iTree to see your canopy investment.
Job creation
The care and management of trees contributes substantially to the Texas economy, providing an estimated $4.7 billion in industry output and over 57,000 jobs.
Community well-being and human health
Many studies have shown that a treed environment helps reduce stress and helps people focus better and stay on task. Neighborhoods with healthy trees have lower crime rates and street trees reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents. Explore our webpage on Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives Initiative.
Enrollment standards
Standard 1: Quality tree care
Follows industry standards for pruning, planting, removals, and trenching and tunneling near trees.
Standard 2: Annual worker training
Ensures employees and contract workers are trained in best practices annually.
Standard 3: Tree planting and public education
Sponsors and participants in a tree planting and public education program designed to expand tree canopy and educate customers about proper tree planting, placement and pruning.
Standard 4: Tree-based energy conservation program
Offers formal, tree-based energy conservation program that places special emphasis on the value of trees in conserving energy.
Standard 5: Arbor Day celebration
Sponsors and/or participates in annual Arbor Day events and collaborates with community groups, where possible.
Resources
Energy Saving Trees is a tree-based energy conservation program in which some Tree Line USA utilities participate. Utilities provide free trees to residents to plant in strategic energy savings locations.