Amber Weaver
October CommKit
Other Content – Right Tree Right Place
Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place
Typically, we think about planting trees in the springtime when things begin bloom, but late fall through early winter is actually the best time to plant trees in Tennessee. According to the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, the changing of leaf colors is a good signal that it is safe to start planting trees. You can continue planting trees through the winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen. The earlier you plant, the better because the tree has more time to spread its roots.
While timing is important, it is also important that you consider where you are planting this new tree and the size it will be when it is fully mature.
“It is easy to get excited about the new beauty you are adding to your landscape, not to mention the important environmental benefits and added property value,” [INSERT NAME OF CO-OP, TITLE, EMPLOYEE NAME] said. “But, if a fully-grown tree becomes so tall that it interferes with power lines, that can create a real problem.”
If your tree is not planted in the right place, high winds could bring tree branches into contact with power lines, resulting in safety hazards for your family, your neighbors and your community’s lineworkers. Trees can also be a tremendous inconvenience when planted in the wrong location. Trees contacting with powerlines is one of the most common causes of power outages on the [CO-OP NAME] system. To avoid these problems, do some research or talk to a professional or your co-op before purchasing or planting trees on your property.
“Plant the right tree in the right place,” [NAME] said. “If you have any questions on the tree you are considering adding to your yard, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.”
Some great examples of smaller trees include flowering dogwoods and redbuds. Both are native to Tennessee and power line friendly choices.
And before you plant, always remember to call 811 before you dig. At no cost to you, your underground utility lines will be located and marked prior to the start of your project. One phone call can prevent dangerous accidental contact or expensive repairs.
Amber Weaver
October CommKit
Efficiency – When to turn on the heat
Staying Warm and Saving Energy
Vibrant reds, deep oranges and bright yellows are filling treetops and yards throughout the Volunteer State and the temperature is cooling down. You may have the urge to turn on the heat after the first chilly evening of fall or the first frost. Here are five tips to avoid messing with the thermostat that will keep you warm while also saving you money and energy this season.
Put on more layers. Bundling up is a great way to keep yourself comfortable without extra heat. You can do this by putting on your favorite light sweater or hoodie that’s been hiding in the closet all summer long, keeping fall themed throw blankets around common areas or even putting on warm socks or house shoes. These layers will help you stay cozy and warm while saving energy and on your electric bill.
Reverse ceiling fans. If you run ceiling fans in your living or bedrooms, reverse the spin of the blades. Switching the fan to run clockwise will push warmer air that rises back down into your space.
Open curtains. Even though the mornings and evenings are cooler, it is likely here in Tennessee that the temperature will get pretty warm during the day and hopefully the sun will shine. Open your curtains to let the warmth of the sunshine into your home. The fabric on furniture and carpets will absorb and retain some of the heat into the evening. Be sure to close the curtains though once the sun goes down, so cool air doesn’t get into the house.
Do household chores after dark. The movement involved with cleaning the shower, vacuuming the bedrooms or even folding clothes will keep you warm. You can also run the dishwasher, washing machine or dryer after dark to add a bit of heat to your home.
Invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to program it to lower the heat when you go to bed, raise it when you wake up and turn itself down again once everyone heads off to work and school. This allows you to stay warm and conserve energy at the same time.
Amber Weaver
October CommKit
Safety – Outdoor Plug Safety
Keeping Halloween Spooky and Safe
“It’s the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”, “I am the pumpkin king” and “It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus” are all famous, some would even say iconic, quotes from favorite Halloween movies. The characters that said them may even be represented in your front yard this season as you prepare and decorate for trick or treaters. While the spooky and festive inflatables bring joy to your home and those who pass by, here are some electrical safety tips to keep in mind.
Keep outdoor outlets covered. Just because outdoor outlets are outside and made to be there, they don’t have superpowers against mother nature. Invest in weatherproof covers that shield the outlets when you aren’t using them. These covers flip up and give you easy access to the outlet to plug in or unplug your decorations. They also keep the outlets safe from water, snow and wind, because who knows what kind of weather we will be having this Halloween in Tennessee.
Don’t overload outlets or extension cords. It’s likely that your home doesn’t have as many outdoor outlets as you do inside your home. You may only have a few. It is important to avoid plugging a bunch of decorations into one outlet. This could overload the outlet and cause a fire or another electrical issue. Plus, keep in mind that extension cords can pose a tripping hazard for your trick or treaters.
Watch for potential problems. If you ever notice sparks from an outlet or the outlet feels abnormally hot, the outlet could have faulty wiring. Do not plug anything into an outlet that is experiencing these issues. It’s also important to keep the age of your home in mind. If your home is more than 25 years old, it might be a good idea to do an electrical upgrade to keep you, your family and any visitors safe.
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association
2964 Sidco Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Phone : 615.367.9284