Delmarva Power giving away free energy-saving trees

For the 10th year, Delmarva Power is giving away nearly 1,000 free energy-saving trees to customers through the Arbor Day Foundation. This Earth-friendly and environmentally focused initiative can help people reduce energy use and save money.

To reserve one free tree per household, go to arborday.org/delmarva. Species choices include bald cypress, river birch, red maple and white oak. A one-gallon tree will arrive by the end of May via mail at the specified home address.

In addition to saving energy, trees provide benefits to a community including improved air and water quality, stormwater runoff reduction, and increased visual appeal for a neighborhood.

Trees will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The Arbor Day Foundation' website features interactive tools that can help a homeowner determine the best location on the property to plant a tree for energy-saving benefits. Properly planted trees can provide a homeowner many benefits, such as reducing energy use through summer shading and slowing winter winds.

Those who receive a tree should call 811 at least a few days prior to digging a hole for it to learn the approximate location of any underground utility equipment. Taking the right steps before digging will help prevent potential injury and avoid accidental damage to underground utility lines that could disrupt services to neighbors.