Sunday, August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day, Black Hills Energy is offering a chance for area customers to beautify their homes and neighborhoods while promoting safety.
In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Black Hills Energy is giving away a limited number of free trees to customers through their Energy Saving Trees project. This year marks 10 years of partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.
Planting trees offers a multitude of benefits that grow over time, just like the trees themselves. Trees not only clean our air and water, but also improve our physical and mental health, and add beauty to our communities.
But the benefits go beyond aesthetics. A strategically placed tree can significantly reduce energy costs by as much as 20% for homeowners. The shade from trees blocks hot summer sun and provides shelter from cold winter winds, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The Arbor Day Foundation highlights the environmental impact of trees as well. According to their research, one large tree can provide a day’s worth of oxygen for four people. Additionally, a single mature tree can absorb over 48 pounds of carbon monoxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in return – all in one year!
Last year alone Black Hills Energy customers customers planted 665 trees through this program. These trees will grow to filter over 74 million gallons of stormwater and avoid or sequester nearly 25 million pounds of carbon dioxide. Since the program began in 2014, over 10,000 trees have been planted by Black Hills Energy customers.
Planting Safety First
Before you start digging to plant your new tree, remember to prioritize safety. Calling 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” number, is crucial. This free service sends locators to mark underground utility lines at your dig site, preventing accidental damage and potential hazards. You can call 811 or schedule online at call811.com.
Black Hills Energy also encourages customers to follow safe digging practices outlined on their website at www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety. This includes using white spray paint to mark the area where you plan to dig before line locators arrive.
Register for Your Free Tree
Registration for free trees begins on August 8th and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trees will be shipped directly to registered customer homes. For more information and registration details, visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/trees.
Don’t forget: Call or click before you dig on any project, big or small. This National Safe Digging Day, plant a tree, beautify your community, and celebrate safety with Black Hills Energy!
