Beat the Heat- Plant a Tree

One way to lower your power costs is to provide shading near windows and walls of a home. Studies show that landscaping dominated by trees can reduce the need for air conditioning.

 A single tree can save you nearly 12 percent annually on your energy bills if it grows for 15 years, according to the Center for Urban Forest Research.

Citywide, trees can actually lower the “urban island” effect by reducing the temperature around buildings by as much as 10 degrees.

The city of Santee recently planted trees in the turf area in front of the YMCA to provide shade for kids attending summer camp. These trees will grow and continue to provide a cool place for families to gather during the peak of summer heat.

For more information on the benefits of trees, visit www.catrees.org. Their slogan: “Invest from the Ground Up.”