Duke Energy Florida Launches Free Tree Giveaway to Promote Responsible Planting

In celebration of Florida Arbor Day, Duke Energy Florida is offering customers the chance to receive a free tree through its ongoing collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation. Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, customers can visit arborday.org/dukeenergy to request a 1-gallon tree, shipped directly to their homes with planting instructions. This initiative underscores Duke Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship and maintaining reliable power for its two million Florida customers.

The giveaway includes a variety of tree species—sweetbay magnolia, red maple, bald cypress, bottlebrush, and crape myrtle (pink)—carefully selected for their compatibility with Florida’s climate. Trees will arrive in time for National Arbor Day in April, providing an opportunity for recipients to contribute to the environment by planting trees responsibly.

A History of Giving

Since 2017, Duke Energy Florida has distributed more than 15,000 trees through its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and local community events. These efforts, combined with the company’s recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA program, highlight Duke Energy’s dedication to balanced vegetation management.

Tamron Fernandez, Duke Energy’s manager of distribution vegetation management, emphasized the dual benefits of tree planting: Every tree we come across is different and must be cared for and considered individually. 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.”

Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place

Duke Energy encourages Floridians to follow its Right Tree, Right Place guidelines to ensure trees are planted safely and strategically to avoid interference with power lines. The following steps are critical:

• Find the Right Tree: Select tree species suitable for your region and consider their mature size, shape, and purpose before planting.
• Choose the Right Place: Look around for nearby power lines. Ensure your tree’s growth won’t interfere with these lines or create hazards in the future.
• Call Before You Dig: Florida law requires homeowners to call 811 before digging to avoid damaging underground utilities.
• Keep Transformers Clear: Maintain a 10-foot clearance in front of ground transformers and a 3-foot clearance on all sides for safety and maintenance.
• Hire Professionals for Tree Trimming: Never attempt to trim trees around power lines yourself. Always hire a qualified professional for this work.

These guidelines are detailed further on Duke Energy’s Right Tree, Right Place website.

A Commitment to Community and Reliability

Beyond tree giveaways, Duke Energy’s team of certified arborists and environmental specialists works year-round to manage vegetation near power lines, especially ahead of hurricane season. This balanced approach prioritizes tree health while minimizing potential outages caused by overgrown or fallen vegetation.

For customers and communities alike, the benefits of Duke Energy’s program go beyond aesthetics. Strategically planted trees provide shade, reduce cooling costs, and contribute to cleaner air—all while ensuring power lines remain unobstructed for reliable service.

Residents are also encouraged to stay on the lookout for additional tree giveaways hosted in partnership with local cities and counties this spring. By planting responsibly, Floridians can contribute to a greener, more reliable future.

To secure your free tree, visit arborday.org/dukeenergy starting Jan. 17. Supplies are limited, so early participation is encouraged. Note that this link will go live Friday at approximately 9:30 A.M.