San Marcos Electric To Offer Rebates For Planting Trees

In celebration of Texas Arbor Day on Friday, Nov. 6, the City of San Marcos Electric Utility is implementing the Shade Tree Rebate Program to encourage residents to plant shade trees around their homes.

The program is open to existing single-family residential San Marcos Electric Utility customers, and the rebate is $50 per tree or 50% of the cost, whichever is less. 

“Fall and winter are the best times to plant trees in Texas because cooler temperatures are more favorable for establishment,” said Jan Klein, Public Services Conservation Coordinator. “The Arbor Day Foundation also estimates that shade trees planted on the west, south or east side of your home can reduce summer air conditioning costs by up to 35% and that’s a big payoff during our hot Texas summers.”

Residential electric utility customers should visit http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/3026/Shade-Tree-Rebate-Program for more details and to complete the program application.  A maximum of five trees may be rebated per address.

Qualifying trees must be selected from the approved tree list and must be at least a 5-gallon size container or larger.  The trees must be planted on the west, south, or east side of your home, and within 15 to 35 feet of the building foundation.        

Before planting, homeowners should call 811 or visit www.texas811.org to utilize the free service available to locate any utility lines at their chosen site and to ensure that trees are planted at least 5 feet away from any underground utilities. 

Large shade trees can also not be planted within utility easements or within 30 feet of any overhead power lines. 

Visit www.texastreeplanting.tamu.edu for tips on tree selection and finding a quality nursery tree.

For more information on the shade tree rebate and other energy and water rebates, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/conserve or email jklein@sanmarcostx.gov.