ORLANDO, Fla. – Duke Energy is giving away 1,000 free trees as a way to celebrate Florida Arbor Day this week.
Customers in Florida can request a free tree on Friday. The 1-gallon trees will ship directly to residents with planting and care instructions in time for National Arbor Day in April.
Customers can choose from several species well-suited to Florida landscapes, including:
- Sweetbay magnolia
- Crape myrtle
- Live oak
- ‘Shoal Creek’ vitex
- Flordaking peach
[WATCH BELOW: Kissimmee, Osceola County use tree planting to balance growth, environmental impact]
The annual tree giveaway is part of the company’s program to “encourage Floridians to plant the right tree in the right place, which helps to reduce risks to nearby power lines.”
“When the right tree is planted in the right place, it can help provide shade and cleaner air, while reducing vulnerabilities to the power lines nearby,” Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida, said in a release. “This year’s giveaway of 1,000 trees is another way we’re working with the communities and customers we serve to grow healthier tree canopies and support long-term power reliability.”
Right Tree, Right Place
- Find the Right Tree – Before selecting your tree, make sure to consider the long-term size, maturity and shape of the tree.
- Choose the Right Place – If you’re planting trees on your property, note the location of any nearby power lines. Keeping trees away from power lines helps keep fallen or loose debris farther away from the lines to speed power restoration efforts.
- Call Before You Dig – Duke Energy Florida and other utilities can show you where cables and pipes are. Before you dig, call 811 or submit your request online at www.Sunshine811.com.
- Keep Ground/Pad Transformers Clear – Keep the transformer (green box typically found in front of homes) clear at all times to allow for maintenance and repairs. Maintain a clearance of 10 feet in the front and 3 feet on all sides.
- Stay Safe Around Power Lines – Never attempt to trim trees around power lines yourself. These lines are energized and extremely dangerous.