Shutters and shade trees
Rolladen, Star Nursery team up to help conserve energy

What could work better to help keep your home cool this summer than rolling shutters and a beautiful shade tree? Well thanks to a special promotion, homeowners can order the shutters and receive a 15-gallon shade tree free of charge.

A pair of Nevada businesses has joined forces for the promotion that is certain to lower power bills. From now through Aug. 1, Star Nursery will provide the 15-gallon shade tree when an order is placed for Rolladen Rolling Shutters.

The owners of both companies say the promotion is a natural, considering that shade trees and rolling shutters combine to provide an unbeatable way to combat the intense sunlight that bleaches furniture and carpeting, ruins drapes and sends power bills through the roof during the summer.

When homeowners receive the coupon after ordering their shutters, they can then pick out a tree among 30 varieties offered by Star Nursery. The most popular shade trees include Ash trees such as Mesquite and Pink Dawn Chitalpa; along with evergreen trees such as African Sumac, Mondell Pine and the California Pepper tree.

"The combination of Rolladen and Star Nursery is a natural, because they're both Las Vegas-based companies that are No. 1 in each of their categories," said Fran Minnozzi, owner of Rolladen. "We couldn't be happier, and having Star on board is like adding the ideal component to protect homeowners from skyrocketing power bills." While the rolling shutters were first introduced in Southern Nevada to offset continued problems with burglary, they have recently been in demand because of the concerns with power consumption. The foam-filled aluminum slats that are used over windows, doors and doggie doors serve as the ideal product to combat the elements and crime.

The shutters can be operated manually or electrically. They lower power consumption as much as 64 percent, a key factor in the harsh desert climate. Long-time local businessman Craig Keough founded Star Nursery in Las Vegas in August 1983. Previously known as Southwest Landscape Supply, it was renamed Star Nursery, Inc. in 1986. Future sites include another location at Ann Road and Simmons. And Star Nursery's 8725 S. Eastern Avenue location has been expanded to twice its original size.

"There really is a big concern about our power bills," said Liz Helmke, advertising manager for Star Nursery's five outlets. "With the trees and the shutters, the homeowners will not only be able to conserve energy, but add beauty and value to their home at the same time."

"People really need trees in this climate," added Helmke, who is currently studying landscape architecture at UNLV. "Trees help clean the air and provide a soothing, cooling effect to the landscape. They also keep power costs down and protect homes from extensive heat and sunlight damage."

In fact, both shade trees and rolling shutters have been recommended by Nevada Power Co. to lower power consumption in literature given to customers during the past few years.