One Tree At a Time | OEC News

As one of only two certified Tree Line USA Utility electric cooperatives in Oklahoma, OEC partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation in April to give away 200 trees to members who signed up online. Since 2016, OEC has given away more than 1,000 free trees.

Daniel Lofland, OEC’s energy efficiency & solutions specialist, organized the giveaway and stressed the importance of a strategically placed tree when it comes to saving energy and money and offered tips for anyone planting vegetation.

“First, look up. If there are overhead power lines where you are wanting to plant a tree that could grow to be 20 feet tall, plant it at least 10 feet away from that line,” he suggested. “Also, it is extremely important to call Okie to have all underground lines located before you plant a tree of any kind. Any costs from damage incurred without having lines located first is on the homeowner.”

The direction your home faces plays a critical role in deciding where to plant trees. In which rooms in your home do you spend most summer afternoons? Consider planting trees to shade those windows from the hot summer sun.

“Spring is a great time of year to plant trees,” Lofland said. “Be sure to survey your property and pinpoint which windows would benefit best from being shaded. Again, be sure to call Okie (811) to ensure you don’t hit a line when digging, and check one more time to make sure the tree won’t interfere with overhead power lines.”

The Energy-Saving Trees program is part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees initiative to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities around the globe and inspire 5 million tree planters to help carry the mission forward. Visit our website for more information and a full tree planting guide.