Tree Power

Electric customers can save money on cooling costs with a free shade tree.

What is Tree Power?

Tree Power promotes energy conservation through energy-efficient landscaping. When you sign up for the program, Columbia Water and Light will visit your property and suggest the best places for shade trees. You will receive a packet with the planting diagram and a coupon for a FREE 6-10 foot tall shade tree. Trees are available at Superior Garden Center, 3100 Old Highway 63 South. There is a limit of one tree per electric meter.

See what varieties of trees are available through this program

Where should I plant my free shade tree?

The packet you receive will have a diagram of your property with suggested planting locations. Deciduous trees and shrubs (those that loose their leaves in the winter) should be planted to shade south walls and windows. In our area, plant trees in a direct line from a west-facing window or wall at a 75% angle clockwise from due south. Shade trees planted in direct line, drawn at the same angle from the southwest corner, will effectively shade that corner of the home. Coniferous trees (evergreen cone-bearing types) should be grouped on the northern and western sides of the house to help block winter winds.

What else do I need to know about planting my free tree?

Choose a site based on what the tree will look like when it is fully grown
Make sure your tree has plenty of room to grow, both above and below the ground
Plant trees away from overhead power lines, driveways, and sidewalks
Remember there are also utilities like sewer, water, and electric lines underground. Planting too close to your utility lines can eventually cause problems with your services

CAUTION:

Always call 1-800-DIG-RITE (Missouri One Call) to have the location of all utilities marked before doing any digging in your yard. Sewer and water lines will only be marked on the city side of the meter. Lines running from the meter to a home are not located by the utility.

Tree Power ad

energy-efficient landscaping principles
how to plant your tree
how to care for your tree after it’s in the ground
tree trimming safety
a list of trees to avoid planting near utility lines

Request a brochure be mailed to you by e-mailing us at wlmail@GoColumbiaMo.com

Visit our Trade-A-Tree page for information about replacing trees growing near power lines with small, ornamental trees—for free!