We’re going green: Plant an energy-saving tree in your yard

Update: Since the date of publishing, this promotion has run out of trees. If you didn’t get one, you can register online to be notified the next time trees are available. Keep reading to learn more about the program and its nationwide impact.

Lakeland Electric’s annual Energy-Saving Trees program, powered by the Arbor Day Foundation, is back just in time for Arbor Day on Friday, April 28. The program allows Lakeland Electric customers who are home or business owners to reserve a free tree, while supplies last. Why? To help customers reduce their annual energy bill through strategically planted trees.

Who’s eligible for a tree?

Any Lakeland Electric customer who owns their home or business, with a current Lakeland address and active LE account number, can receive one tree.

How does it work?

Input your home address, outline the exterior of your home on the interactive map, and plot one of these trees:

• Bald cypress (sold out)
• Crape myrtle (sold out)
• Dahoon holly (sold out)
• Live oak (sold out)
• Nellie R. Stevens holly (sold out)
• Red crape myrtle (sold out)
• Sweetbay magnolia (sold out)

Pro tip: Read about each species to learn about their favorable conditions, growth, and more. Your projected annual savings will vary based on the species and location of your tree.

What’s my responsibility?

If trees are still available and you receive one, you are responsible for:

• Planting the tree on your property in the spot you designated online — somewhere clear of overhead power lines and other obstructions
• Caring for the tree
• Calling 811 before planting to avoid hitting anything underground

What’s the impact?

This nationwide project has a big impact. Let’s take a look at the results from 2022, by the numbers:

• 512,951 trees planted
• 342,645 homeowners participated

In the next 20 years, it’s projected that:

• 6.6 million pounds of air pollutants will be absorbed
• 809 million kilowatt-hours of energy will be saved
• 195.1 billion pounds of carbon will be sequestered
• $260 million will be generated in energy and community benefits
• 8.9 billion gallons of stormwater will be filtered