Operation Cool Shade

UPDATED 12/07/2023 – Check back early summer for 2024 tree sales information!

Several people standing outside holding a large Operation Cool Shade bannerOperation Cool Shade helps beautify your home and yard while helping you save energy dollars.

Shade trees help save energy by lowering the outside temperature of your home. This can reduce cooling costs by up to twenty percent in just a few years! The energy you don’t use doesn’t need to be generated, which is good for the environment and your wallet.

Trees and their root structure also help prevent soil erosion.

This program is approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and partially funded by an ACC mandated surcharge on member bills.


Plan for Planting

Before planting, create a landscaping plan. Observe and take into consideration 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 the east, west, and south walls as much as possible.

Before You Dig

One week before you plan to dig, call Arizona 811 at (800) 782-5348 or go online to the Arizona 811 website to create a ticket. Arizona 811 will notify utility locators to mark the placement of underground utility wires and pipes where you plan to plant trees. Even if you are hiring someone to dig for you, it is your responsibility to call Arizona 811.

Look Up…

Never plant trees where their growth will interfere with overhead power lines. A good rule to follow is, at maturity, the trunk and branches of trees should be at least 15′ clearance from driveways, patios, sidewalks, and block walls.

Plant promptly and keep them watered.


Bullhead City Master Gardeners

The Bullhead City Master Gardeners offers workshops on how to plant your Operation Cool Shade trees and other desert-adapted plants.

Whether you are new to the area or just need a refresher course, this program will cover what you need to know to successfully plant and grow your native and non-native trees and shrubs.

This presentation is part of the Master Gardener’s monthly series of programs on gardening in the Mohave Desert. They are held on the third Thursday of each month and are free to the public.