Black Hills Energy Tree Giveaway

Black Hills Energy is gearing up to celebrate National Safe Digging Day, or 811 Day, on Sunday, Aug. 11 – by giving away a limited number of free trees to customers through our Energy Saving Trees project partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.  

The benefits of trees grow over time, just as trees do. Trees clean our air and water, improve our physical and mental health, and beautify our communities. In addition, a well-placed tree can block hot summer sun and provide shelter from cold winter winds, reducing energy costs by as much as 20 percent for a homeowner. 

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, one large tree can also provide a day’s supply of oxygen for as many as four people. In one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon monoxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. 

Last year, Black Hills Energy customers planted 665 trees, which will grow to filter over 74 million gallons of stormwater and avoid or sequester almost 25 million pounds of carbon! Since the program began in 2014, over 10,000 trees have been planted by Black Hills Energy customers through the partnership. 

When it’s time to plant, be sure to call two business days before you dig to have underground utility lines marked. The “Call Before You Dig” program is free, it’s safe and it’s the law. Just dial 811 or schedule online through call811.com. 

Black Hills Energy also urges customers to follow the safe digging practices found at www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety. Those include using white spray paint to mark the area where you plan to dig before line locaters arrive. 

Customers may register for a free tree beginning on August 8. Supplies are limited and reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Trees will be shipped directly to registered customers. Details can be found at www.blackhillsenergy.com/trees.