Why Trees?


Energy Savings

Trees save energy.

By shading buildings and minimizing the need for air conditioning in the hot summer months, we reduce our energy use. This energy savings is particularly important because the shade helps reduce peak energy consumption at the hottest time of the day, saving our utility SMUD from needing to purchase peak power.

In addition to direct shade on buildings, trees cool entire neighborhoods by releasing moisture into the air and shading surfaces like parking lots and streets that hold heat in the sun.

In the winter, trees can help reduce heating costs by slowing the wind.

  • Save up to 40% of annual cooling costs
  • Save 10-25% of energy used for heating

An additional 1 million trees strategically planted in Sacramento could save $10 million in energy savings.