In honor of Florida Arbor Day, Duke Energy Florida is collaborating with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees programme to give away 1,200 free trees.

Starting on Florida Arbor Day, January 20, Duke Energy customers can request a free tree online at arborday.org/dukeenergy, until all trees are distributed.

The one-gallon trees are shipped directly to customers’ homes with planting and care instructions. They are expected to be delivered in time for National Arbor Day, April 28, 2023.

Available tree species include the dahoon holly, sweetbay magnolia, baldcypress, crape myrtle (pink) and crape myrtle (red).

Duke Energy Florida is donating US$50,000 to the Arbor Day Foundation to purchase and distribute the trees through its Energy-Saving Trees programme

“For years, Duke Energy Florida has teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation in giving away nearly 11,000 free trees to customers and communities throughout the state,” said Duke Energy Florida state president, Melissa Seixas. “To provide reliable service, it’s important we maintain trees and other vegetation along the lines that deliver electricity to our customers. By planting the right tree in the right place, you are assisting us in providing the safe, reliable service you depend on, while helping to keep the environment healthy and beautiful.”

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees and Tree Line USA programmes demonstrate how trees and utilities can coexist for the benefit of communities and citizens by highlighting best management practices in public and private utility arboriculture. Duke Energy Florida has been recognized for its tree management practices for 17 consecutive years.