KU celebrates Earth & Arbor Day with free tree seedling giveaway in Richmond

– Special to WEKY AM 1340 –

Kentucky Utilities Company will join other local Earth and Arbor Day activities across the state by giving away free redbud tree seedlings. The giveaway will take place on April 26, at the Richmond business office located at 200 Water Street.       

Customers may pick up two seedlings beginning at 9 a.m. until the seedling supply lasts, usually until late morning.  There will be 1,000 seedlings available.

Mature redbuds have pink or purple blossoms in the early spring and dot landscapes in Kentucky with vibrant color in this time of year. 

The giveaway program is part of the company’s efforts supporting the planting of native trees in appropriate locations through The Right Tree in The Right Place program.

Tree limbs falling on lines is one of the major causes of power outages.  The redbud is a relatively small tree when it reaches maturity, allowing it to grow without limbs interfering with the overhead lines. Planting the seedlings in the proper location can also help provide shade for houses which, over the long term, can help to reduce energy costs. A brochure describing The Right Tree in The Right Place and the Plan Before You Plant recommendations will be provided to customers along with the seedlings. 

KU’s tree seedling giveaway program started in the early 1990s and, since that time, has distributed nearly 750,000 free seedlings to customers across the KU service territory. 

Visit the KU website for more information on The Right Tree in The Right Place program.