This document discusses how tree planting programs can be funded through public-private partnerships to provide energy savings and environmental benefits. It provides an overview of how trees conserve energy and why utility companies would support tree planting initiatives. Details are given on how to set up a successful shade tree program, including clear planting guidelines, species selection, tracking trees, and customer service. Information is also included on starting a tree program, such as deciding on marketing, validating customers, and finding funding from various sources including utilities, grants, and community donations.

1. Technology + Private Funding =
Tree Planting Programs for Everyone!
How to Get Started
Nancy Hughes,
Executive Director,
CA Urban Forests Council
Kelaine Ravdin,
Urban ecology consultant,
Urban Ecos

2. California EnerTrees background

3. CA EnerTrees deliverables
Analysis of Marin’s urban forest Shade tree pilot project

4. How and why?

5. How do trees conserve energy?
Summer energy savings of a large
deciduous tree in Fresno, CA:
417 kWh/year = $45
Winter energy savings of a large
evergreen tree in Nebraska City, NE:
30 therms/year = $30

6. Why do we want trees to conserve energy?
Scherer Power Plant, Macon, GA
Los Angeles

7. Why would utility companies want to conserve energy?
• Government mandate to
reduce air pollutants or
greenhouse gases
• Difficulties meeting energy
needs of customers,
particularly during peak
periods
• Green public relations

8. Shade Tree Programs Across North America

9. Shade Tree Programs Across North America

10. • Clear guidelines on where to plant
Lessons learned: Components of a successful program

11. Clear guidelines on where to plant

12. • Clear guidelines on where to plant
• Wide and sensible species availability
• Ability to track trees, document program
• Random future inspections
• Adequate online resources
• Good customer service
• Collaboration with nurseries
Lessons learned: Components of a successful program
For the complete report:
http://www.caufc.org/documents/CA_EnerTrees_final_report.pdf

13. A strategic tree planting energy-efficiency program

14. &

15. Energy Saving Trees + CA EnerTrees 
A shade tree program for everyone!

16. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Trees
Direct delivery: 2-4’ trees Customer pickup: any size

17. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Outreach

18. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Website

19. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Website

20. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Website

21. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Website

22. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Website

23. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Website

24. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Dashboard

25. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Dashboard

26. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Dashboard

27. Your Energy Saving Trees program: Legal stuff

28. Visit: caufc.org/enertrees OR
energysavingtrees.arborday.org/?referredby=caufc#ForUtilities
What do you need to get started?

29. Getting started
1. Provide company info 2. Decide on marketing tools

30. Getting started
3. Provide service zip codes 4. Choose tree species

31. Getting started
5. Decide how to validate customers 6. Customize content

32. Getting started: Program costs
Trees
• Arbor Day Foundation
seedlings: $20-30 each
• Trees provided by you: $10-
100
Outreach
• Bill inserts
• Flyers and posters
• Other advertising
The price of a good project starts at about $7,000.

33. Getting started: Finding funding
• Local utility support
• State forestry grants
• Corporate gifts and grants,
volunteer days
• Local foundation support
• Community-based fundraisers
• Taxes!

34. Questions?
Nancy Hughes: njhughes@caufc.org
Kelaine Ravdin: kelaine@urban-ecos.com
www.caufc.org/enertrees
Nancy Hughes,
Executive Director,
CA Urban Forests Council
Kelaine Ravdin,
Urban ecology consultant,
Urban Ecos