Tree Program Aims For 'Cooler' County

County officials are hoping to reap the benefits of planting nearly 1,000 trees around the county as part of a program paid for by the federal government.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz is expected Tuesday afternoon to talk about the "Cool Trees" program during an event at the . The county planted 957 shade trees near government buildings.

More than 600 trees, about two-thirds of the total number the planted, were placed at 48 elementary, middle and high schools around the county, according to figures released to Patch.

The program, which plants native shade trees within 60 feet of the south and southwest sides of public buildings, cost $500,000. It was paid for with an Energy Efficiency Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, according to a county news release.

The county used its computer mapping technology system to determine the best locations to plant the trees.

The county expects the trees will provide $2 million environmental benefits over the next 30 years including improved air and water quality and habitat. The trees are also expected to provide shade that reduced energy consumption and improve the aesthetics of the buildings where they are planted, according to the county news release.