All of the energy you spend each spring to create that perfect green lawn could be used to plant the seeds for a lower energy bill. A well-designed landscape can provide cooling shade around your home that reduces the need for air-conditioning. Dig this:

For Entergy’s vegetation management team, there are many useful tools and strategies utilized to properly maintain greenery around power infrastructure. However, one method stands on its own – both in appearance and in efficiency. The aerial saw, which Entergy recently brought back into operation in partnership with Aerial Solutions, Inc., extends 130 feet below a hovering helicopter and includes ten 24-inch blades. With a gentle throttle by the pilot, the suspended circular saw blades can trim a targeted 20-foot path through a clustered Southern tree line along the edge of a towering transmission line.

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Entergy a 2020 Tree Line USA® utility in honor of its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in the provider’s service area. Tree Line USA, a partnership between the Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America's urban trees. Tree Line USA promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests. “Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air and water. Service providers like Entergy demonstrate that it’s possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.” Entergy achieved Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree care practices; sponsor a tree planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.