​by Commissioner Hal Valeche

As we gear up for the summer and the start of our annual hurricane season, I thought it would be helpful to share this important information provided by Florida Power & Light:

Did you know that tree limbs and branches – especially palm fronds – are one of the leading causes of power outages and flickers? Last year, FPL trimmed trees and cleared vegetation along more than 15,000 miles of power lines throughout the state to help reduce tree limb interference.

FPL is committed to protecting trees and our environment while providing safe and reliable service, now and in the future, but we need your help.

By selecting the right tree and planting in the right place, you can help reduce power outages and flickers for you and your neighbors. Here are four simple steps to smart landscaping:

1. Find the Right Tree – Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and often change dramatically over their lifetimes. Some grow tall, some grow wide and some have extensive root systems. Before selecting your tree, make sure you know how tall, wide and deep it will be at maturity. For lists of recommended trees for your region of Florida, please visit the University of Florida's "Trees and Power Lines" website.

2. Call Before You Dig – What you cannot see can hurt you, so before you reach for a shovel, reach for the phone. Did you know that a free call to Sunshine 811 will start the process of getting underground utility lines marked? Simply dial 811 at least two full business days before you plan to start digging and a representative will come out to your house or business and clearly mark the location of all underground utilities. This is a free service. You can also submit your request online at www.Sunshine811.com.

3. Plan for Future Growth – Where you plant your tree is just as important as what type of tree you plant. Blocking an unsightly view or creating some shade may be a priority, but you must also think about how your tree will impact existing power lines, as it grows taller, wider and deeper. At maturity, will its canopy reach the power lines? Taking the time to consider location now can prevent avoidable power interruptions for years to come.

By planting the right tree in the right place, you are doing your part to prevent power outages and flickers in your neighborhood. Tall trees growing under or near power lines will ultimately require pruning or removal by specially trained line-clearing professionals to maintain safe clearance from the lines. Planting the right tree in the right place can prevent the need for this pruning. If you have a young, small tree planted near a power line, the tree should be relocated or removed before it grows large enough to interfere with the high-voltage wire. Remember, you should never attempt to trim any vegetation growing on or near power lines.

4. Work Safely and Hire Safely – Whether you're planting a tree, preparing your property for storm season or picking fruit, remember to stay safe and stay far away from power lines at all times. Always look up and note the location of power lines before you begin. Careful avoidance of power lines is extremely important during yard work, especially when using tools, ladders, poles or pruning saws. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that you – and the ends of the tools you are using – do not come within 10 feet of power lines. (Please note that you must allow even greater distance for safety near higher voltage power lines.)

Never attempt to trim any vegetation growing near power lines. Only specially trained line-clearing professionals should work around power lines. When hiring landscapers or yard workers to trim your trees, remember to ask if they are licensed, insured and qualified to trim vegetation around power lines.

You can learn more about FPL's Right Tree/Right Place program HERE.

As always, if there is any way that I can assist you, please contact me at 561-355-2201 or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org.