Kentucky Utilities to celebrate ahead of Earth Day with seedling giveaways

BURNSIDE, Ky. (WTVQ)- In honor of Earth Day,  April 22, Kentucky Utilities will support the environment by giving away approximately 4,500 eastern red bud seedlings at eight locations in Kentucky and Virginia.

KU says the giveaway will be Friday, April 20, at 9 a.m. Eastern time at the following locations:

• Burnside City Hall 7929 S. Hwy. 27
• KU Customer Service Center  205 W. Clinton Street Georgetown, KY
• KU Customer Service Center 2800 US Hwy. 60 East Morganfield, KY*
• KU Customer Service Center 209 W. Locust Street Mt. Sterling, KY
• Ravenna City Hall 620 Main Street Ravenna, KY
• KU Customer Service Center 1100 Main Street Shelbyville, KY
• Old Dominion Power Customer Service Center 1000 Park Avenue NW Norton, VA
• Old Dominion Power Customer Service Center 42311 East Morgan Avenue Pennington Gap, VA

*Note: Pickup at the Morganfield business office begins at 8 a.m. Central time. Giveaways will take place until the seedling supply lasts, which is usually until late morning.

KU says customers may pick up two free seedlings while supplies last. The seedling giveaway program supports the Call Before You Dig (811) initiative and encourages planting native trees in appropriate locations through The Right Tree in The Right Place program.

Falling tree limbs on lines is one of the major causes of power outages. The eastern red bud has a maximum mature height of about 35 feet, so planting that tree in the right place means it will grow without limbs reaching the electric lines. A brochure that describes “Right Tree, Right Place” and the “Plan Before You Plant” recommendations will be given to customers along with the seedlings.

Planting the seedlings in the proper location also will help reduce energy costs thanks to the shade they provide as they grow.