Fall and winter are the best times to plant shade trees. Cooler weather allows root systems to establish, resulting in greater growth during the spring and better tolerance of hot summer temperatures. Once mature, trees can reduce home summertime air conditioning costs by as much as 15 percent. The best trees for height and shade include pecan, elm and oak. They will shade your home during summer months but lose their leaves during winter, allowing sunlight through to help keep your home warmer.
It is important to plant the right three in the right place. Large shade trees should be planted at least 50 feet or more away from power lines. Trees growing into power lines are the number one cause of power outages during storms and windy weather.
Tips for planting: Dig the hole the same depth as the container, but two to five times as wide. After placing the tree and refilling the hole, put a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the tree. Water regularly and deeply to establish a healthy root system.
Austin Energy provides funding for the planting of about 6,000 trees every year through four programs. The Neighborwoods program provides free trees to home owners in neighborhoods where tree canopy is needed. The Community Trees program provides free trees to neighborhoods that have a neighborhood plan and an organized group to assist with tree planting. The Large Shade Tree program provides trees for public projects, such as the trees around City Hall or along 2nd stree. The Austin Energy Tree Trimming program provides trees when rotten or sick trees require removal during the pruning process.
*Information source: Austin Energy PowerPlus
http://austinenergy.com
