Energy-Saving Trees is a research-based, easy-to-use online mapping tool that takes the guesswork out of tree planting. By entering simple information about your home and yard, the tool calculates where to specifically and strategically plant trees for the greatest energy- and money-saving benefits.

Planting the right tree in the right place is key to maximizing the energy-saving benefits that trees provide. When planted properly, a single tree can save a homeowner up to 20% on energy costs.

But trees do much more than provide energy savings to you, the homeowner. They also provide tangible benefits for the entire community: improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, beautification of your neighborhood, reduced urban heat island effect, and a smaller carbon footprint, just to name a few.

The tool was made possible through a grant from the UPS Foundation. It was developed by the Davey Tree Expert Company and the Arbor Day Foundation, and powered by i-Tree research.

Planting the right tree in the right place is key. First, look at your property and identify other trees, power lines, sidewalks, and the overall size of your yard. Then envision a full-grown, healthy tree in that space, making sure these existing items aren't affected. For example, if you have an overhead power line 20 feet above the ground, you won't want to plant a tree that can grow more than 20 feet tall under these lines.

The Arbor Day Foundation and your community partner want your selected trees to arrive healthy and thriving. We use your hardiness zone to determine when trees are shipped to you. The Arbor Day Foundation's tree shipping schedule to will help you determine when your trees will arrive.

For homeowners whose partner has opted for local pickup event(s): Your trees will not be shipped directly to your home. You will need to visit your selected pickup location to get your trees.

		Spring shipping	Fall shipping
Zone color	Zone #	Approximate ship dates	Approximate ship dates
	2	04/15-05/30	11/01-11/26
	3	04/15-05/30	11/01-11/26
	4	04/15-05/30	11/01-11/26
	5	04/15-05/30	11/01-11/26
	6	03/19-05/12	11/01-12/03
	7	03/11-05/07	11/05-12/10
	8	02/26-04/30	11/05-12/10
	9	02/26-04/30	11/05-12/10
	10	02/26-04/30	11/05-12/10

Good question—this depends on the species and shipment method that the partner has chosen. Typically, trees have been between 2' - 4' tall. Detailed information about how to plant the trees will be included with your trees.

Each package of trees includes your tree(s), along with a variety of helpful information including tree planting instructions, tree pruning methods, and proven tree care methods to help your tree grow and thrive into a mature tree.

Energy-Saving Trees is based upon years of scientific research. Specifically, the formulas and data are calculated from the i-Tree Design application, developed by our forestry partners. Tree effects on energy use are calculated using the methods detailed in the USDA Forest Service's publication, "Carbon Dioxide Reduction Through Urban Forestry: Guidelines for Professional and Volunteer Tree Planters (PSW-GTR-171)."

Energy effects on buildings from shade, evapotranspiration and wind speed reduction (windbreak) are calculated using an applied reduction factor based on tree type, height, azimuth and distance from the home.

Shade and evapotranspiration effects are set to zero when trees are beyond 18 meters [approx. 60 feet] from defined building footprints.

Windbreak effects on energy use are set to zero when trees are at a distance from the building equaling 35 times the tree height or greater (see: Heisler, G.M. and D.R. Dewalle. 1988. Effects of Windbreak Structure on Wind Flow. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 22/23:41-69).

The community benefits - carbon, air quality and stormwater - calculations are based on methods and models derived from the i-Tree Streets application. As such, this tool relies on average species growth and geographic parameters for 16 national climate zones and, consequently, should be considered a starting point for understanding trees' value in the community rather than a scientific accounting of precise values. For more detailed information on urban and community forest assessments, or the methodology behind these tools, please explore the i-Tree website.

If the map pulls up the space where your house is now built, map the general shape of your home in the correct spacing. If the map does not pull up the correct location or returns an error message, call the customer support line, found at the bottom of this page.

Visit their websites:

• Arbor Day Foundation: Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation and Trees
• Davey Tree Expert Company: Expert Tree Service Since 1880
• i-Tree Consortium: Tools for Assessing and Managing Community Forest

Make sure your utility company knows about the Energy-Saving Trees program, and that you want to participate in it. Utility companies will find this link to be especially helpful, along with the Energy-Saving Trees program overview.

You or your utility company can call us at 855-234-3801, or email info@arborday.org.