Mohave Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MEC) continues to support members in saving money with programs such as Operation Cool Shade. Trees help beautify your home and yard as well as help you save money on energy costs. Trees shading the wall of a home or building, can lower the outside wall temperature and therefore lower your energy costs up to 20%. The energy you don’t use doesn’t need to be generated, which is good for the environment and your wallet.
Operation Cool Shade gives all members the opportunity to purchase up to 8 trees at $9 each and includes a free LED bulb with each tree purchase.
Trees and their root structure also help prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place and improving the drainage of the soil. Roots create tunnels, networks, and grids that bind the soil particles together and make them harder to move by wind or water.
Before planting, consider how your family or business uses the outdoor space where you are thinking about placing trees. Plant at least three trees where they can provide enough shade to shield your structure and outdoor living areas. Shade the roof as well as east, west, and south-facing walls as much as possible. At maturity, the trunk and branches of the tree should have at least 15 feet of clearance from driveways, patios, sidewalks, and block walls. Most importantly, never plant trees where their growth will interfere with overhead and underground power lines.
An instructional video on planting trees is available on our website. Scan the QR code to view! As with any digging, be sure to contact Arizona 811 at (800) 782-5348, or online at the Arizona 811 website, to create a ticket to ensure you’re not digging into any utility lines when planting your trees. Even if you’re hiring someone to dig for you, it is your responsibility to contact Arizona 811.
This year, Operation Cool Shade offers four tree varieties: Joan Lionetti Texas Live Oak, Desert Willow ‘Sweet Bubba Seedless’, Bonita Ash, and Chaste Tree. Tree sales are first come, first served. Don’t wait, order your trees today to ensure you’ll stay cool in the shade. Tree sales begin September 1 to October 6 by calling Member Service at (928) 763-1100 or in-person at 928 Hancock Road between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. When ordering trees, please note your desired pick-up location - either Bullhead City or Kingman. For Bullhead City, tree pick up will be on November 18, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Parkway. For Kingman, tree pick up will be on November 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MEC Kingman Operations Facility, 3160 Shangrila Drive.
