LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Black Hills Energy will be giving away more than 800 free trees beginning Friday with assistance from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees Program.

The 1- to 3-foot-tall dormant trees will be delivered directly to customers for spring planting from May through early June.  Each tree is small enough that it can be planted by one person, Black Hills said.

Trees are a great way to leave a leafy legacy and positively impact the environment and reduce energy costs.

A free tree can be reserved by Black Hills customers on a first-come, first-served basis at www.arborday.org/blackhillsenergy.

The website can also help customers determine the best place to plant a tree to gain the most energy-saving benefits.

Black Hills will also be partnering with the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department and volunteers from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to plant nine trees at Rickman’s Run for Arbor Day.

This effort is funded by a $20,000 commitment by the utility’s corporate foundation to celebrate it 20th anniversary of making legacy gifts across the eight states it serves.

Black Hills urges those planning to plant, or digging for any other reason, to call at least two days before to have crews mark underground utility lines.

In Nebraska, a free call can be made by dialing 811 to reach Nebraska 811. You also can schedule online at www.ne1call.com.

The utility also urges customers to follow the safe digging practices listed at www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety. These include using white spray paint to mark the area where you plan to dig before line locators arrive.

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