The program allows Austin Energy customers to invest in energy from clean and renewable sources such as the wind and methane gas from landfills. Tree Planting Program Ozone formation is exacerbated by high temperatures. Because of the urban heat-island effect, temperatures in cities can average up to 15 degrees higher than nearby rural areas. Trees clean and cool the air. They shield from the sun hard surfaces that would otherwise store and radiate heat, and they release cooling moisture.
Mature trees increase property values.
The program will add 2 watering trucks this fall, doubling the size of its fleet. These additions will allow significant increases in City-maintained plantings. The program is scheduled to plant over 1,000 trees during 1999-2000. In addition to handling City-maintained plantings, PARD runs the NeighborWoods Program. This program provides trees to neighborhood volunteers who promise to plant and maintain the trees.