Rhode Island giving away 1,000 free trees to conserve energy
![DEM director Janet Coit reads a proclamation from the governor for the 129th anniversary of Arbor Day on the State House lawn in 2016, next to a tuliptree that was planted for the occasion. [The Providence Journal, file / David DelPoio]](/gcdn/authoring/2019/04/07/NPRJ/ghows-PJ-85f3cd30-a628-19bd-e053-0100007fab7d-6577a6f2.jpeg?width=660&height=453&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is once again working with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away trees this spring to help homeowners conserve energy and reduce utility costs.
The Department of Environmental Management is giving away 1,000 trees for the energy-savings trees program, now in its eighth season.
Online registration opens Monday and is required.
The department says a single mature tree can save $30 annually in heating and cooling costs when planted properly.
DEM Director Janet Coit says it's a terrific way to reduce energy costs, and a "tangible way to stand up to climate change" in the future. She recommends registering early because of the popularity of the program.
The trees are approximately 4 to 6 feet tall. Pick-up events are planned in late April and May.