The Tampa Bay area's subtropical climate nurtures many varieties of trees that, when planted in the right places, can enhance the landscape, provide welcome shade, reduce energy consumption and more. Tampa Electric is proud to be a Tree Line USA utility serving several of Florida's 160 Tree City USA communities. To realize the full benefits of trees takes a communitywide effort. That's where you come in, and we can help.
Knowing what trees to plant, and where to plant them, is crucial around electrical infrastructure. As part of our commitment to reliable power for our customers, Tampa Electric crews must safely trim trees growing too close to power lines. While we use pruning methods that prioritize the health of trees, you can do your part by planting trees and shrubs appropriate distances from power lines, transformers and other types of electrical equipment. Because city and county guidelines for planting vary, be sure to check those that apply to your community. To determine the location of Tampa Electric and other underground utility service lines in Florida, call toll-free 811.
Better reliability through managed and well-placed vegetation means fewer power interruptions for you and your neighbors. More importantly, trees that touch power lines can create dangerous situations. In general, only licensed professionals should prune trees. That's especially true with trees near electrical infrastructure. Our crews are just a website form or phone call away – so let us know if you see trees growing into power lines.
As with safety and reliability, one of Tampa Electric's top priorities is helping our customers save energy. We have numerous programs, many of them free, that can help. Trees also can make a difference.
Did you know that planting deciduous trees, which lose their leaves for part of the year, on the east and west sides of your home can cool it by up to 10 degrees in summer and warm it by 10 degrees in winter? Shading your air conditioning unit with trees can help it run more efficiently, reducing your electricity consumption by up to 10 percent. You can gain additional benefits by shading sidewalks, driveways and patios.
It's important for the sake of the trees you plant, as well as the environment, to use native plants as much as possible. And always try to avoid planting invasive species. Native plants are better suited to local growing conditions. Invasive species, on the other hand, can grow out of control and choke out beneficial species.
Florida-friendly plants are those that, while not native to the state, grow well in the appropriate regions and zones. With the right native and Florida-friendly vegetation, you not only have species more likely to thrive, but also plants and shrubs that need less water, fertilizer and overall care.
Although planting trees that grow fast initially can seem satisfying, they often break more easily and have shorter lives. Strong, slower-growing trees are better able to absorb the force of storm winds, providing protection during severe weather.
If your property lacks the space for a large tree, or if one you recently planted is not quite tall enough yet to provide shade, you can achieve similar effects with a trellis or arbor. Florida's climate fosters a variety of vines, many of which have beautiful, fragrant flowers. Others produce fruit you can harvest for yourself or use to attract birds and other wildlife.
For safety, electric reliability, energy savings, conservation and aesthetics, it's important to seek out reliable resources and talk to experts at your local garden shop before you plant. By planting the right trees in the right places, chances are good that you'll realize benefits that only grow with time.
