As Florida celebrates Arbor Day on Friday, Duke Energy is taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season by trimming trees near power lines. The utility is also giving away 1,000 trees to emphasize the importance of planting “the right tree in the right place” to maintain reliable power.

Duke Energy customers may have noticed crews working near their homes as the company addresses the primary cause of last season’s catastrophic outages: fallen trees and flying debris. After Hurricane Milton in October, Duke Energy reported over 1 million outages across Florida.

“It was extremely impactful,” said Tamron Fernandez, Duke Energy’s head of distribution vegetation management. “We brought in thousands of resources to cut and remove debris so we could restring the lines, working 16 hours a day, seven days a week, until power was fully restored.”

The current tree-trimming initiative aims to reduce the risk of outages ahead of hurricane season, which begins June 1. “We’re doing our best to protect homeowners’ properties, safeguard the trees, and ensure we can deliver safe and reliable electricity,” Fernandez explained.

Duke Energy’s tree-trimming approach balances electrical safety with environmental responsibility. Crews carefully evaluate the voltage of power lines and the location of trees, ensuring clearance while minimizing harm to the trees. “We trim responsibly to allow trees to heal properly and reduce risks for homeowners,” Fernandez said.

Customers can also request tree trimming if they are concerned about limbs near power lines. While no system can be 100% hurricane-proof, Duke Energy emphasizes the importance of maintaining the urban forest while minimizing risks.

To mark Florida Arbor Day, Duke Energy is giving away 1,000 trees to encourage thoughtful planting practices. “Whether it’s for power lines or homeowners’ landscapes, it’s crucial to select a tree suitable for the area,” Fernandez advised. “Know the tree’s mature height and any associated risks. If it’s a weaker tree, plant it away from structures or targets to ensure safety.”

By combining thoughtful vegetation management with community education, Duke Energy aims to enhance resilience and reduce the likelihood of power disruptions during the upcoming hurricane season.

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(Image credit: Jessica Meszaros/WUSF)