October 12, 2004 News Media Release

Cooler, wetter weather perfect time to plant trees in landscape

The colder and wetter weather that is predicted for this fall and winter is the perfect condition to plant trees in your landscape to help them get established and survive the hotter and drier summers in Austin.

Austin Energy and TreeFolks will be giving away tree saplings that can be planted in yards and eventually grow to provide shade and beautify our city.

As many as 2,250 saplings of Oak, Chinquapin Oak, Monterrey Oak (large shade trees) and Yaupon Holly (small evergreen tree) are being given away in October by Austin Energy and the non-profit TreeFolks as part of Sapling Days 2004 with 150 to 250 saplings given away at each event. Austin Energy helps plant up to 7,000 trees each year in Austin through partnerships with TreeFolks, NeighborWoods, and its own vegetation management efforts.

The other scheduled Sapling Days events this month will be:

• 9 a.m. Oct. 16, Festival de las Plantas, Roy Guerrero Park
• Noon, Oct. 20, Fourth and Congress
• 9 a.m., Oct. 23, Kimas Tejas Nursery in Bastrop

October through February is the optimal time to plant a tree to allow its roots to become established before summer heat sets in. Besides adding beauty to a landscape, trees help improve a home's energy efficiency. Studies show that neighborhoods shaded with trees stay 3 to 4 degrees cooler than neighborhoods without trees. Air conditioners shaded by trees work more efficiently and use up to 10% less electricity.

Austin Energy recommends these tips when planting a tree:

• When in your yard, look up and down to determine where the tree will be situated in relation to overhead and underground utility lines. Give the tree enough room to grow to its mature size.
• Plant trees that grow tall such as pecans, elms, oaks and maples at least 50 feet away from overhead lines. Smaller ornamental trees that reach a height of 25 feet or less can be planted closer to overhead lines.
• Plant deciduous trees on the south and southwest sides of your home to block the sun's intense heat during the summer and to help you save on energy costs. Deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the fall and winter allowing the sun to heat your home.
• Dig the planting hole the same depth as the container but two to three times the width. Backfill the hole with the loose removed soil. Cover the entire loosened area of soil with a 3-inch layer of organic mulch and water gently. Keep the mulch at least 1 to 2 inches from the trunk of the tree. Water regularly in the first few growing seasons to help establish the tree.

For more information about Sapling Days, call TreeFolks at 443-5323 or visit its Web site at treefolks.org.

-end-

For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000