In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's "Energy-Saving Trees" initiative, Black Hills Energy is distributing approximately 350 free trees, one per household, to customers who reserve one beginning today.

A free tree can be reserved on a first come, first served basis at www.arborday.org/blackhillsenergy. The 2- to 4-foot-tall trees will be delivered directly to customers from May through early June.

"Our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in the 'Energy-Saving Trees' program offers us the opportunity to promote the cleaner air, energy savings and other valuable benefits you gain by planting the right tree in the right place," said Todd Jacobs, general manager for Black Hills Energy's Kansas gas operations.

Black Hills Energy customers can use the handy online tool at www.arborday.org/blackhillsenergy to quickly determine where to plant a tree to gain the most energy-saving benefits. "Strategically planted trees block the hot sun in summer and cold winds in winter to help cut energy usage without sacrificing comfort," Jacobs said.

Black Hills also is delivering a safety message: at least two business days before you plan to dig, whether to plant a tree, set a fence post or excavate with a backhoe, Call Before You Dig to have underground utility lines marked for free. In Kansas the number to call is 1-800-DIG SAFE. You also can just dial 811 or schedule online at www.kansasonecall.com.

"Underground utility lines may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind," Jacobs said. "Please call Kansas One-Call ahead of time to have your lines marked at no charge to you. It's free, it's safe and it's the law."

Jacobs also urges customers to follow the safe digging practices listed at https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety/call-811. Those include using white spray-paint to mark the area where you plan to dig before line locaters arrive.

"It only takes a minute to Call Before You Dig, and it can save untold time and trouble," Jacobs said. "Please follow the rules and dig safely. We want you and your family to enjoy your new tree for a long, long time."

distributed by