Add A Shade Of Green To Your Lawn And Pocket

Fall planting season is a great time to put some roots in the ground and dig up some rebates. During the second planting season of the Green Shade Rebate program, CPS Energy customers can get up to three rebates by planting trees on their property. Starting on October 1, customers can earn up to a $50 rebate on their utility bills for each tree purchased and planted, for a maximum of $150 with three trees.

Rebates will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Customers who received the maximum of three rebates last planting season are ineligible for additional Green Shade rebates.

“To ensure your new tree can survive our current drought conditions, be sure to take a hose and water the ground immediately around the tree on a regular basis to keep the root ball moist. Try a scheduled water program to get your new tree established. It takes minimal water during the first two to three years and eventually the canopy or shade helps conserve water,” said Mark Peterson, San Antonio Water System conservation project coordinator.

In addition to water conservation, carefully positioned trees can potentially reduce a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Properly maintained and attractive landscaping also can add to the property value.

The following tree species qualify for the Green Shade rebate:

Anaqua
Arizona Cypress
Bald Cypress
Big Tooth Maple
Bur Oak
Cedar Elm
Chinquapin Oak
Lacey Oak
Live Oak
Mesquite
Mexican Sycamore
Mexican White Oak
Montezuma Cypress
Pecan
Shumard Oak
Sierra Red Oak
Texas Ebony
Texas Red Oak
Texas Walnut

In addition to selecting the right tree, CPS Energy customers must:

Purchase a tree(s) in at least a size #5 container (5 gallon) or larger between October 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012.
Call 8-1-1 at least 48 hours before digging to avoid hitting underground utility lines and as required by law.
Plant tree(s) within 10 – 30 feet of an air-conditioned home or building AND on the west, south, or east side. Trees planted on the north side will not qualify.
Complete and sign the rebate application and mail it in with the ORIGINAL sales receipt and a planting location map.

For complete rebate guidelines or to download an application and tree planting instructions, visit cpsenergy.com. Applications also are available at most local nurseries, and customers can call (210) 353-2728 or visit the nearest CPS Energy customer service center for more information.

The Green Shade Rebate program is in partnership with the City of San Antonio. A grant from the U.S. Department of Energy partially funds the initiative.