Avoid tree-related power outages

With hurricane season officially starting June 1, Florida Power & Light Company offers hurricane preparation advice to help save trees while reducing the risk of tree-related outages.

"We love our trees here in Florida," said Steve Anderson, vegetation specialist for FPL. But the last two storm seasons claimed many, and some knocked over power lines, causing power disruptions and safety hazards. "A little planning will go a long way toward protecting our trees, our property and our safety," said Anderson.

FPL recommends the following tips to prepare Florida residents — and their trees — for the upcoming storm season:

• Now is the time, before a hurricane threatens, to survey and prepare your yard. Look for dead or weakened branches that could snap during a storm and begin pruning to help trees better withstand high winds.

• If you do see a tree tangled in or too close to a power line, don't try and trim it yourself. Only specially trained line clearing professionals should work around power lines.

• If a tree or branch has damaged a pole or line, creating sparks or a power outage, call 1-800-4-OUTAGE to report the problem.

• The best way to keep trees from interfering with power lines is prevention: choose the right tree and plant it in the right place to begin with. Consider the mature height of a tree when planting near overhead electric lines. FPL offers specific tips on the selection and proper placement of trees through its Right Tree Right Place program.

Visit www.FPL.com/trees for a list of recommended trees and suggested setbacks from overhead utilities, as well as those to avoid planting near power lines.