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.

ISSUES WITH YOUR ORDER?

Contact Tucson Clean & Beautiful for any issues or questions regarding your tree order at (520) 791-3109.

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. The program is sold out for 2024 but please check back in January of 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.