Atlantic City Electric is giving away 800 free trees to residential customers through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees program. Eligible customers can reserve one free tree per household by visiting arborday.org/ace or by calling 855-670-2773. Trees will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

While money may not actually grow on trees, the trees provided through this Earth-friendly initiative can help you reduce your energy use and save money as they grow by providing shade to your home in the summer and slowing winter winds. Through the Arbor Day Foundation’s website, you can also explore interactive tools that can help you determine the best location on your property to plant your tree for energy-saving benefits.

In addition to saving energy, trees provide benefits to the community including:

• Improving air quality
• Improving water quality
• Reducing stormwater runoff
• Adding to the visual appeal of your neighborhood

There are several species to choose from, including Baldcypress, River Birch, Eastern Redbud, Red Maple, and White Dogwood – all trees native to our region. Your one-gallon tree will arrive at your home via mail by the end of May.

Before planting your energy-saving tree, call 811 to have utility-owned underground lines marked before digging at least a few days before. Taking the right steps before digging will help prevent potential injury and avoid accidental damage to underground utility lines that could disrupt services to surrounding neighbors.