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TREE PROGRAM


TRICO’S TREE PROGRAM

Planting a tree can help you save on your monthly electric costs. Strategically placed trees are an effective way to save energy by helping to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Shade trees cool the outer wall temperature of your home by as much as 20 degrees, saving your air conditioner and lowering your summer electric bill.

As a member, you can purchase up to 3 low-cost, low-water use trees through Trico’s Tree Program. Trees cost $15, will be at least 3 feet tall and are delivered directly to your home by Trees for Tucson (some restrictions apply). These are usually offered beginning in January until sold out.

LEARN MORE

Have questions on how Trees can cut down your electricity bill?

Send us an email at: efficiencyprograms@trico.coop or call (520) 744-2944, Ext. 1605

Thank you for your interest in Operation Cool Shade. Online/over the phone ordering has closed; however, we will have trees available for purchase at a reduced price during our Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Trees will be $10/each and you can purchase up to 3 per active account. Trees will need to be picked up directly after the Annual Meeting concludes. If you are unable to attend the Annual Membership Meeting, please check back at the beginning of 2025 for additional information.

Blue Palo Verde

Blue Palo Verde
  • Size: 15′ X 30′
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flower Season: Spring
  • Exposure: Full/Reflected Sun
  • Water: Very low
  • Grown Rate: Moderate to fast
  • Thorns: Yes
  • Hardiness: 20° F
  • High Allergen

Red Push Pistache

Red Push Pistache
  • Size: 30′ X 30′
  • Flower Season: N/A
  • Exposure: Full sun
  • Water: Moderate
  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
  • Thorns: No
  • Hardiness: 10° F
  • Dense shade: fall color

Desert Willow

Desert Willow
  • Size: 20′ X 20′
  • Flower Color: Pink or Purple
  • Flower Season: Spring/Summer
  • Exposure: Full sun or part shade
  • Water: Low
  • Grown Rate: Moderate
  • Thorns: No
  • Hardiness: 0° F
  • Low maintenance; attracts hummingbirds

Catclaw Acacia

Catclaw
  • Size: 20’ X 25’
  • Yes, bean pods
  • Exposure: Full sun
  • Water: Low
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Thorns: Yes
  • Hardiness: 0° F
  • Sharp thorns; flowers attract bees

Chinese Elm

Chinese Elm
  • Native: No
  • Type: Deciduous
  • Grown Rate: Fast
  • Hardiness: 0° F
  • Water: Low to moderate
  • Mature Size: H: 35-45 ft W: 35-45 ft
  • Thorns: No
  • Flower Color: Inconspicuous
  • Flower Season: Spring
  • Litter: Low
  • Allergenic: Moderate
  • Multi Trunk: No

Desert Ironwood

Desert Ironwood
  • Native: Yes
  • Type: Evergreen
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Hardiness: 20°F
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size H: 15 to 30 ft W: 15 to 20 ft
  • Thorns: Yes
  • Flower Color/Season: Lavender/Spring
  • Litter: Moderate
  • Allergenic: Low
  • Multi Trunk: Yes

Fig

Fig Tree
  • Size: 15′ X 10′
  • Fruit: edible
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Grown Rate: Moderate
  • Thorns: No
  • Hardiness: 15° F
  • Bright red flowers; use as hedging; attracts birds

Foothills Palo Verde

Blue Palo Verde
  • Native: Yes
  • Type: Semi-evergreen
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Hardiness: 15° F
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: 15- 30’ X 15- 30’
  • Flower Color/Season: Yellow/Spring
  • Thorns: Yes
  • Litter: Yes, Seasonal
  • Allergenic: High
  • Multi-Trunk: Yes

Joan Lionetti Live Oak

Joan Lionetti
  • Size: 20′ X 30′
  • Flower Color: Inconspicuous
  • Flower Season: Spring
  • Exposure: Full sun
  • Water: Low to moderate
  • Grown Rate: Slow
  • Thorns: No
  • Hardiness: 0° F
  • Drought tolerant, cold hardy; named after Trees for Tucson founder

Palo Brea

Palo Brea
  • Native: No
  • Type: Semi-evergreen
  • Grown Rate: Moderate
  • Hardiness: 20° F
  • Water: Low
  • Mature Size: H: 30 ft W: 30 ft
  • Thorns: Yes
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flower Season: Spring
  • Litter: High
  • Allergenic: High
  • Multi Trunk: Yes

Pomegranate

Pomegranate
  • Size: 15′ X 10′
  • Fruit: edible
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Grown Rate: Moderate
  • Thorns: No
  • Hardiness: 15° F
  • Bright red flowers; use as hedging; attracts birds

Vitex

Vitex

Native: No

  • Type: Deciduous
  • Grown Rate: Moderate
  • Hardiness: 5° F
  • Water: Low to moderate
  • Mature Size: H: 10 to 25 ft W: 10 to 25 ft
  • Thorns: No
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flower Season: Summer
  • Litter: Seasonal
  • Allergenic: Low
  • Multi Trunk: Yes

PLANTING AND CARING FOR YOUR TREE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I get information regarding the tree varieties that Trico offers?

When ordering your trees online, you can view a brief description of each tree variety by clicking on the picture of the trees located at the top of the order form webpage. If you would like more detailed information, you can contact the Pima County Master Gardeners program, which is a volunteer organization that works in conjunction with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. They are qualified to provide research based information on urban horticulture, gardening and landscaping. They can be contacted at (520) 626‐5161.

Is there a maximum number of trees that I can purchase?

Each Trico membership can purchase up to three (3) trees per fiscal year.

Where and when can I purchase trees?

Trees purchased through Trico’s Operation Cool Shade program are offered on a first-come first-served basis. You may purchase trees any time throughout the year as long as trees are available. Depending on the demand of the program, Trico cannot guarantee that trees will be available throughout the entire year.

How much does a tree cost?

The trees provided through Trico’s Operation Cool Shade program cost $15 each.

How are the trees delivered?

When your trees are delivered, Trees for Tucson (Tucson Clean and Beautiful) guarantees that they will be at least 3 feet tall and between 1‐2 years old.

Your trees may be delivered in a variety of different containers. Some trees are delivered in a 5‐gallon container while others may have their roots bagged. Regardless of the container that your tree is delivered in, Trico and Trees for Tucson (Tucson Clean and Beautiful) guarantees that you will be receiving a quality tree and that it will be at least 3 feet tall.

Do you offer refunds?

Per our terms and conditions, all sales are final. Once your trees have been delivered, we cannot offer you a refund.