#United States #Duke Energy #St. Petersburg #Florida Arbor Day #Arbor Day Foundation

Duke Energy's Free Tree Giveaway for Floridians

In a noble effort to promote sustainable planting practices, Duke Energy Florida has announced its plan to distribute 1,000 free trees to its customers, aligning with the state's Arbor Day celebrations. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and natural resource management, especially in the aftermath of the recent hurricane season that has challenged Florida's ecosystems.

Set to launch on January 17, which coincides with Florida Arbor Day, the tree giveaway aims to encourage Floridians to select the right trees for their properties. Customers can conveniently request their free tree online at arborday.org/dukeenergy starting at 9 a.m. on that day, while supplies last. The one-gallon trees will be shipped directly to recipients' homes, complete with detailed planting and care instructions, just in time for National Arbor Day in April.

Selecting the Right Tree and Location

Duke Energy offers a diverse selection of trees including popular species such as the sweetbay magnolia, red maple, bald cypress, bottlebrush, and the flowering crape myrtle. It's a fantastic chance for residents to enhance their landscapes while adhering to best planting practices.

The initiative aligns with the Arbor Day Foundation's mission of promoting tree planting and environmental awareness. Duke Energy Florida has collaborated with local communities since 2017 to distribute over 15,000 trees through similar programs, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right tree for the right place to mitigate power outages caused by vegetation.

Tamron Fernandez, Duke Energy's manager of distribution vegetation management and a certified arborist, explains, “While trees contribute significantly to Florida’s charm, they can also cause power outages if not properly located. Our goal is to educate the public on how to plant thoughtfully, which not only benefits the individual but the community at large.”

Expert Care and Community Support

The role of Duke Energy doesn't stop at distribution; experienced arborists and environmental specialists are on hand year-round to monitor and manage tree health. Their work covers everything from identifying potential hazards, trimming, to applying necessary herbicides to prevent future issues. This proactive approach ensures that the trees planted contribute positively to the environment without compromising the safety and reliability of electrical service in the region.

Florida boasts a unique climate that allows various species to thrive, hence, the expertise of the Duke Energy team is vital in guiding residents. As Fernandez notes, “Understanding the characteristics of different trees and their growth patterns is essential for making informed planting decisions.”

Additionally, Duke Energy encourages customers to follow its Right Tree, Right Place guidelines. By assessing a tree's purpose, size, and growth potential, along with the placement in relation to existing utilities, homeowners can make sustainable choices that promote fewer outages in the future.

Key Steps to Safe Planting

Here are some essential guidelines Duke Energy provides for safe and effective tree planting:
1. Finding the Right Tree: Before making a selection, consider the tree's intended purpose and growth characteristics. Consulting local resources or an expert can help identify the best species for your area.
2. Choosing the Right Spot: Be mindful of nearby power lines and ensure that trees are planted at a safe distance.
3. Safety First: Always call 811 before any digging activities to avoid damaging underground utilities.
4. Keep Utility Areas Clear: Maintain clear access around ground transformers to facilitate maintenance.
5. Professional Help for Trimming: Tree trimming near power lines is dangerous; employ qualified contractors for these tasks.

Conclusion

Duke Energy Florida's tree giveaway represents more than just a gesture of goodwill; it is a strategic approach to fostering responsible tree planting and management in the community. With the diligent work of their arborists, coupled with the active involvement of local residents, Duke Energy aims to ensure that Florida remains a lush, vibrant environment for generations to come.

For further details on the Right Tree, Right Place initiative and to learn more about safe planting practices around electrical facilities, residents can visit Duke Energy's dedicated website, where they can access valuable resources tailor-made for their planting needs.