Shading the Future

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A pilot program to plant trees for energy savings!

We're excited to announce the launch of Shading the Future. This pilot program is funded by a Duke Energy Foundation Local Environmental Impact Grant.

Shading the Future is designed to increase tree canopy, reduce the heat island effect, improve air quality, enhance ecological diversity, and help mitigate the effects of climate change in the community. Eligible participants include residents, businesses, schools, churches, HOA's, and other landowners. Together, we can enhance climate resiliency through the strategic planting of approximately 200 trees in targeted areas that have lower urban tree canopy and higher average surface temperatures.

Grow a greener future with us!

Registration/How to Get Involved

Reducing Energy Usage

A well-placed tree or shrub can provide your home with summer shade and winter wind blocking warmth. By reducing your energy consumption with strategically placed trees and shrubs, your efforts will lead to a reduction in the production of fossil fuels that are consumed by utility companies in order to generate electricity used to heat and cool your home. While these efforts also save you some money, simply planting a tree or shrub in the right place on your property ultimately helps combat urban heat islands.

Tree Planting Site Selection

Strategic tree planting site selection can maximize your energy savings. Shading the Future pairs interested property owners with professional guidance and tactical assistance in selecting and planting a mature native tree.

For example shade from a mature tree acts as a natural air conditioner so you can reduce the amount of energy you use to cool your home, which saves you money. In the winter, these trees will lose their leaves and allow sunlight to pass through their branches, which helps to naturally heat your home.

Or, for smaller lots, simply planting shrubs around your air conditioning unit creates shade that increases your unit's efficiency during the summer while shielding the unit from cold winds in the winter.

Program FAQ's

What is the Difference between Shading the Future and My Tree, Our Tree? Shading the Future is open to any property owner in Cary; in addition to your mature native tree, you will be paired with an expert to strategically select your planting site to best maximize your unique energy saving possibilities.
By completing the interest form, am I guaranteeing a tree will be planted on my property? No, from our interest forms we will select 200 participating property owners while giving priority status to those falling into the following categories:
- Properties located in a heat island.
- Properties in areas with open landscapes where larger trees have room to mature.
- Properties where increased tree canopy is needed.
Who is eligible to receive a tree? Home owners, businesses, HOAs, schools, places of worship/churches, and any other public/private land owners in the Town of Cary.
Will this program be available again? This is a grant-funded pilot project, staff will use data and lessons learned to help make determinations about continuing Shading the Future on an annual basis.
What species of trees will be available, and do I get to select my tree species? This program includes only native tree species that will help enhance the ecological health of your yard, while also maximizing the possible energy savings that are uniquely available to each property owner. An expert from our non profit partners will work with participants to select the best possible tree species and its planting location.
Who controls where trees are cut down in Cary? The Town of Cary can only determine what trees are cut down or how trees are managed on our town-owned properties. Although we do have a Land Development Ordinance that maximizes tree protections to the fullest extent possible, Cary is limited to the development approval laws and statutes of the state of North Carolina.

Project Partners and Roles