Turlock Irrigation District offers shade trees at discount

TURLOCK -- Electricity customers in the Turlock Irrigation District can save money Saturday on shade trees that help save energy.

The district will sell trees discounted to $20 to homeowners who can plant them on the south, east or west sides of their houses. The trees can reduce air temperatures by as much as 9 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means less power consumed by air conditioners inside.

The trees, which include planting kits, will be available from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the TID's nursery, 690 N. First St., Turlock.

Each household is limited to two trees. The species on hand will be Bloodgood sycamore, October glory maple, Chinese pistache and trident maple.

People planning to attend are asked to bring a completed application, available at www.tid.com/shade-tree. Customers unable to attend can learn about an ongoing $20 rebate for shade trees at www.tid.org/for-home.

The Modesto Irrigation District also has a shade tree program. Information is at (209) 526-7337 or www.mid.org/save.