Grow Shade and Save: Why I Love the TEP Trees For You Program

by Shannon Macey

If you live in the Tucson area and you get your electricity from Tucson Electric Power (TEP), you might already know how hot our summers can get. Today I want to share something simple that helps your home, your wallet, and our neighborhoods. It’s called the TEP Trees For You program and I am honestly impressed by it.

The idea is easy: TEP offers discounted shade trees to residential customers. You log into your TEP account, choose the trees you want, and pick them up at a local nursery once TEP emails you that they’re ready. Each tree is only $5. You can order up to two 5-gallon shade trees.

Why should you care about shade trees in Tucson? I think about my own home and how the summer sun blasts the west side of my house. Trees planted in the right spots can cool your home naturally, which can help cut down on how hard your air conditioner runs. It’s good for your energy use and good for your bills too.

Shade trees do more than cool your house. They enhance yards, create habitat for birds and pollinators, help clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide, and slow stormwater runoff. And frankly, they make our streets feel more like home.

How It Works

Here’s a quick walk-through:

Log into your TEP My Account and look for the Trees For You option.
Choose up to two trees from the available list. They include options like Native Mesquite, Lacebark Elm, Arizona Ash, Pomegranate, and a few others.
Confirm your order carefully because you can’t change or return it once placed.
TEP will email you when your trees are ready. Pick them up at one of the participating nurseries like Harlow Gardens or Civano Nursery.

This program runs while supplies last, and trees are first-come, first-served.

My Tucson Tree Tips

I recommend thinking about where your tree will give the most shade. For Tucson’s heat, planting on the west or south side of your home can make a real difference in cooling. Also remember to call Arizona 811 before you dig so you know where underground utilities are located.

Why I Share This

I love highlighting local efforts that make Tucson better. This program isn’t just about planting trees. It’s about building cooler, greener neighborhoods over time. So if you haven’t checked TEP Trees For You program yet, do it. The next time you login to pay a bill, take a minute and see what trees you could bring home this year.