Heather's Corner: A Hidden Perk for TEP Customers

Tucson Clean and Beautiful Inc. has partnered with TEP to provide what I recently discovered to be an incredible advantage for homeowners. The non-profit environmental advocacy organization is dedicated to preserving the natural environment and it's resources. All TEP customers are eligible to receive low-cost shade trees to help "cut energy costs by shading windows, walls, and air conditioning units." The program is funded by TEP

In order to qualify you must:

• Be a TEP customer 
• Agree to plant trees within 15 feet of the west, east, or south side of your home
• Understand that planting locations may be confirmed by TEP at a later date.

There are a variety of tree selections offered. They range from native to non-native, flowering/non-flowering, moderate and fast growing, as well as a range of height at maturity. These healthy 5 gallon trees will be delivered to your home by TEP upon receiving payment. Cost of purchasing a tree is $8.00 per tree, which any of you garden lovers out there realize is an incredible cost for us. Though TEP will not plant trees, they can give advice and recommendations.

More information can be found via this link.  There you will find a description of trees, maximum number of trees allowed to purchase per year, planting instructions, and ordering instructions.

You can also find a mail-in form at the Oro Valley Library. So happy planting fellow Oro Valley homeowners.

I've just sent in my order for two Desert Willows and can't wait to reap the benefits of this incredible program!
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)