Duke Energy Florida has announced it will distribute 1,000 free trees to customers as part of its ongoing partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. The initiative coincides with Florida Arbor Day on January 16, when customers can request a tree online while supplies last.
The company’s program aims to encourage residents to plant appropriate tree species in locations that do not interfere with power lines. This effort is intended to reduce potential risks to electrical infrastructure and support long-term power reliability.
“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,” said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. “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.”
Customers who participate will receive a one-gallon tree shipped directly to their homes along with planting and care instructions. Tree options include sweetbay magnolia, crape myrtle, live oak, ‘Shoal Creek’ vitex, and Flordaking Peach. Deliveries are expected by National Arbor Day in April.
Duke Energy Florida’s certified arborists and environmental specialists work throughout the year alongside contractors to manage vegetation near power lines. Their responsibilities include identifying hazards, trimming branches, applying herbicides where necessary, and removing trees that could threaten electrical service.
Since 2017, more than 15,000 free trees have been distributed through this collaboration. The company has also received recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for nearly two decades due to its management practices regarding urban forestry.
Guidance provided by Duke Energy Florida encourages homeowners to consider factors such as mature size and shape before selecting a tree species for planting. Residents are reminded to keep new plantings away from overhead lines and ground transformers for safety reasons and easier maintenance access. Before digging on their property for any reason—including planting—customers are advised to contact utility location services by calling 811 or visiting www.Sunshine811.com.
Additional information about safe planting around electrical facilities is available on Duke Energy’s Right Tree Right Place website.
Duke Energy Florida serves approximately two million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with an energy capacity of 12,500 megawatts. Its parent company Duke Energy operates electric utilities serving over eight million customers across several states and continues investing in grid upgrades as well as cleaner energy sources including renewables.
