trico Tree Program
Trees now available
UPDATE: THE TREE WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ISSUES DUE TO HIGH TRAFFIC VOLUMES. WE ARE WORKING TO RESOLVE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. THIS MESSAGE WILL BE UPDATED ONCE ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED. THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE!
Strategically placed trees are an effective way to save energy by helping to reduce your costs. Shade trees cool the outer wall temperature of your home by as much as 20 degrees, saving your AC 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).
Energy Efficiency
we know energy
At Trico, we are all about being as efficient with our energy as possible. That is why we offer a variety of ways to help our Members achieve their energy efficiency goals with:
- Hands-on workshops
- Education for all ages
- Our Tree Program
- And more!
energy saving tips
The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat no lower than 78⚬ F when you are home and need cooling. Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be since the unit will not need to run as frequently.
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in higher electric bills. Assuming that your air conditioner is properly sized and operates on a 20-degree differential (the difference between the temperature inside and outside the home), an AC system would be operating continually if the thermostat was set at 78⚬ F when the outside temperature is at 98⚬ F or more.
During summer months in Arizona, we often experience multiple days with temperatures at 100⚬ F or higher. If you’re not at home during the day, set your thermostat higher to stay within the 20-degree differential. Consider a programmable thermostat so that you control how often and when the air conditioner operates.
- Seal around pipes where they penetrate walls and floors
- Improve attic insulation (R-38 is a good insulation amount. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation’s thermal protection
- Improve/replace weather stripping around doors and windows
- Add solar screens or window tinting
- Replace single pane windows with low-E Energy Star-rated windows
Home Savings
Energy Tips & Tricks
See some low cost/no cost energy savings ideas that can help you save big!
Have an energy efficiency question?
We Are Here to Help You
Weatherization Kit
Member Benefit
We are here to help you save money and meet you energy goals. Trico has free weatherization kits for Members in need of assistance making their home more energy efficient.
Each kit includes:
- Weather stripping
- Sealant foam
- Socket sealers
- Window insulation kit
Energy Efficiency FAQs
How can I manage my usage?
Sign up for SmartHub. This application provides convenient account access to Usage Explorer, giving you a detailed look at your past and current usage, all in one place. You can view your usage and weather trends by month, or if available, by day. Along with daily consumption, you can see the high, low and average temperatures with an option to view the daily cost. Many Trico Members are utilizing this tool in an effort to reduce their power bills.
Why is my electric bill so high?
The more frequently your AC cycles on and off, the more energy you use. The goal is to keep the thermostat set at a temperature that is comfortable for you, but high enough that the system doesn’t cycle on and off too frequently.
If the temperatures outside continue to increase, but you are not also increasing your thermostat, and the temperature differential between the outside and inside temperatures become larger, the AC unit will cycle on more frequently and result in higher energy usage and larger electric bills.
Also note that if you have a second refrigerator or freezer that is in unconditioned air (porch, garage, etc.), those units will also work harder to maintain the internal temperature while the outside temperatures continue to rise, resulting in more consumption and higher energy costs. While you might not do anything different from day-to-day or week-to-week, the outside temperatures do play a big part in your energy consumption.
DIY Home Audit
Investing in energy efficiency may sound like it requires a lot of effort, time and money, but it doesn’t have to. While there are certainly high-impact and high-cost measures that can be done, there are also smaller steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient, help you save energy and money, and live a more comfortable life. Yes, many energy efficiency investments are also associated with increased comfort!
Home Improvement Savings
Energy Efficiency
Conservation Workshops
Join us on November 12 for a virtual Energy Efficiency Workshop from 10-11 AM! Learn more here.
Trico members can learn strategies to be more energy efficient through the Energy Conservation Workshop Program with:
- Energy savings associated with installing LEDs and programmable thermostats.
- Benefits of weatherization and insulation.
- Basic home maintenance and its effects on energy efficiency.
- Benefits of purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances.
- Distribution of home energy savings guides to further help them reduce their energy usage.
Trico can conduct these Energy Conservation Workshops at HOA meetings, community groups and at the Trico’s headquarters.
Classroom Connections
Trico Educates
Trico’s Classroom Connection program educates elementary school students on the value and importance of energy efficiency and teaches them ways they can save energy in their own home.
Trico conducts an age-appropriate learning session during classroom time to teach the students ways to conserve energy and how to choose energy efficient appliances. Students are shown basic energy savings measures as well as the benefits of saving energy. An Energy Savings Information Sheet and an Energy Savings Checklist are distributed to all students.
The students are also provided with an energy savings survey to fill out with their parents. All students that fill out and return the survey receive a “prize” that promotes energy efficiency as a reminder to continue to conserve.
Community Education
Shared Learning
We provide workshops for all ages. Whether you’d like to meet at Trico or in your community.
Trico can provide educational sessions for:
- Electric Vehicles
- Solar and Battery Storage Systems
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Tours of our Chirreon Solar & Battery Storage Facility
Trico Tree Program FAQs
what kind of tree varieties does trico offer?
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 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.