Tree Line USA

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.  

Connect with us to learn how your team can promote tree-friendly energy practices and build stronger roots in the community.