The Benefits of Proper Tree Care

Trees are a vital part of any ecosystem, providing oxygen, food, and shelter for countless species, yet they can also pose a significant risk to power infrastructure if not properly maintained.

Proper tree care is essential to ensure safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees, and Duke Energy Florida has implemented various tree care practices to achieve this goal.

To achieve Tree Line USA status, Duke Energy Florida must meet certain criteria, including following industry standards for quality tree care.

These standards include proper pruning, annual training of employees and contractors, sponsorship of tree plantings and public education programs, and participation in annual Arbor Day events.

Duke Energy’s Energy-Saving Trees program is a great example of the company’s commitment to tree care practices, having given away over 15,000 trees to customers throughout the state since 2017.

The trees are carefully selected to provide energy-saving benefits to customers and are shipped in a way that minimizes environmental impact.

Duke Energy’s tree maintenance practices vary based on the voltage and type of line, as well as the type of tree and its proximity to the line.

In some cases, the tree may need to be cut down to provide safe and reliable operation of the line, while trees located within the rights of way of high-voltage transmission lines are generally removed instead of pruned.

Duke Energy also sponsors tree plantings and public education programs to promote the importance of tree care, educating customers and property owners about the benefits of tree care and how to properly maintain trees near power lines.

By following industry standards and meeting the needs of its customers, Duke Energy Florida can ensure that its tree care practices are of the highest quality, promoting safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees.