Chugach Outlet
May/June 2001, Number 192

Plant Arbor Day trees and other landscaping in the right place

Chugach participates in Arbor Day as part of its certification requirements to be a Tree Line USA utility. This year Chugach gave $20 gift certificates to local nurseries to members who registered at the 2001 annual meeting to encourage members to plant trees. Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated day that encourages people to plant trees and learn to care for them. While National Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April, in Alaska it is celebrated on the third Monday in May.

While trees and shrubs provide beauty, remember that planting in a utility easement can make it difficult for Chugach and other utilities to gain access and maintain their facilities.

Before digging and planting call the Locate Call Center of Alaska so they can coordinate locations for buried utility facilities. You can also learn how to "plant the right tree in the right place" by calling a local nursery for information on low-growing trees and shrubs that should be planted near utility rights of way. In addition Chugach has a certified arborist who is available to help customers determine what type of plants and trees should be planted near utility rights of ways. For more information, call Chugach at 762-7660.