- More than 15,000 trees distributed through collaboration
with the Arbor Day Foundation, local communities since
2017
- Company's highly trained arborists, contractors care for and
maintain trees year-round, including ahead of hurricane
season
ST.
PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 14,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a devastating
hurricane season, Duke Energy Florida is giving away 1,000 free
trees to its customers as part of its ongoing collaboration with
the Arbor Day Foundation.
On Friday, Jan. 17, which is also
Florida Arbor Day, Duke Energy Florida customers can request a free
tree online starting at 9 a.m. at
arborday.org/dukeenergy, while supplies last.
The 1-gallon trees are shipped directly to customers' homes with
planting and care instructions and are expected to be delivered in
time for National Arbor Day in April. Available tree species
include the sweetbay magnolia, red maple, bald cypress, bottlebrush
and crape myrtle (pink).
The company also participates in several National Arbor Day tree
giveaways with local cities, counties and communities and
encourages residents to be on the lookout for those opportunities
in the coming spring.
Throughout the year, Duke Energy Florida certified arborists and
environmental specialists work with skilled contractors to identify
potential hazards, trim trees, apply herbicides and remove trees
that pose a threat to power lines or could pose a threat in the
future.
The company's arborists are experienced professionals who cover
all aspects of tree care and are familiar with the many species of
trees in Florida. For nearly 20
years, Duke Energy Florida has been recognized for its tree
management practices through the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Line
USA program and has provided more
than 15,000 free trees since 2017.
"No one loves Florida trees and
vegetation more than an arborist," said Tamron Fernandez, Duke Energy manager of
distribution vegetation management and ISA certified arborist. "But
we recognize that trees are one of the leading causes of power
outages, so it's important for us to take a balanced approach of
following science-based standards to ensure the health of the trees
while keeping lines clear and service reliable for our 2 million
customers."
"Every tree we come across is different and must be cared for
and considered individually," said Fernandez. "The action we take
depends on the voltage and type of line, as well as the type of
vegetation and its proximity to the line. When the right tree is
planted in the right place, you are helping to reduce outages for
you and your neighbors now and in the long run."
Customers can do their part by following Duke Energy's Right
Tree, Right Place guidelines.
- Find the Right Tree – Once you determine the tree's purpose,
you can select from species that will serve that purpose well.
Before selecting your tree, make sure you consider the long-term
size, maturity and shape of the tree. For lists of recommended
trees for your region, reach out to your local municipality or
University of Florida's Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension.
- Choose the Right Place – If you're planting trees on your
property, look around and note the location of power lines.
Consider how your tree will impact existing lines as it grows
taller, wider and deeper. Keeping trees away from power lines also
helps keep fallen or loose debris farther away from the lines to
speed power restoration efforts.
- Call Before You Dig – If you'll be performing work in your yard
that involves digging, Florida law
requires you call 811 before you begin so Duke Energy Florida and
other utilities can show you where cables and pipes are. You can
also 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. You should hire a qualified professional tree
contractor to do this work.
For information about planning and planting vegetation around
electrical facilities, visit Duke Energy's Right Tree Right Place
website.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300
megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million
residential, commercial and industrial customers across a
13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Charlotte, N.C., is one of
America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric
utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities
serve 1.7 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition,
keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the
forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions
from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions
from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in
major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including
expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and
nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and
the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X,
LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for
stories about the people and innovations powering our energy
transition.
Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people
to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing
community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and
supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future
can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years,
they've answered critical need with action, planting more than half
a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the
beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a
future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn
more at arborday.org.
Contact: Audrey Stasko
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS
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SOURCE Duke Energy