Plant trees to conserve energy and save money

As our energy bills adjust to the hot summer months, we're all looking for ways to reduce them. One way to help in the long term is to plant trees. It won’t reduce your bill overnight, but it is a worthwhile investment.

What you can do

Trees planted in the right place can have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. In the summer months, shade trees ease the burden on air conditioners. In the winter, trees act as wind breaks against the chill. The U.S. Department of Energy says trees planted correctly could reduce your energy bill up to 25%.

It is important to consider the placement and size of your trees, as well as your home’s microclimate. To avoid damage caused by large storms, take note of nearby utility lines and how large your tree may grow. Trees planted on the south and west sides of the home can work to shade windows and walls that face the summer sun, but every home is different. Being mindful of the wind and sun patterns directly surrounding your home is key.

What we’re doing

We want you to know that we’re not just talking the talk. We recognize the many benefits of planting trees for our customers and the environment, and we plan to plant 1 million trees across Wisconsin and Iowa by 2030. Research shows that one mature tree absorbs about 1,000 pounds of carbon a year. They’ll take a while to mature, but every year as they grow, they’ll make our communities healthier and more verdant. Guided by our Clean Energy Vision, we work to improve the natural environment and to make things better. That’s why we continue to strive toward our goal of net-zero carbon emissions from the energy we generate by 2050.

As part of our One Million Trees Initiative, later this month we’ll help the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin plant 50 trees of various species on its reservation. An Alliant Energy Foundation grant is funding about one-third of those trees.