News Releases

PPL Electric Utilities’ investments in the communities it serves have always gone beyond poles and wires. Now, we’re putting down roots.

The company today unveiled Community Roots, a new program that will provide free trees to deliver environmental benefits, including cleaner air and habitat and food for birds and animals.

“With this program, we can help beautify and protect the places where we all live, work and play. We’re excited to get underway,” said Michael Hasel, PPL Electric Utilities’ manager of environmental compliance.

Community Roots kickoff planting events are scheduled today (9/13) in Allentown, Scranton and Sunbury, and on Saturday (9/16) in Lancaster.

The goal of the program is to give trees to county and municipal parks, environmentally focused groups and schools. In schools, Community Roots will be available to fourth-graders, provided the school they attend in PPL’s service area successfully applies for trees.

Trees will be available in three types: bare-root seedlings, containers seedlings and gallon container seedlings. They will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested groups or schools can order trees online at www.pplcommunityroots.com. The ordering site also can be reached through PPL Electric Utilities’ environment web page, www.pplelectric.com/environment.

Trees can be ordered now for planting in spring and fall next year. Trees for spring 2018 need to be ordered by Oct. 25, 2017. Orders for fall 2018 must be placed by June 11, 2018. There is a one-order limit per year, per group or school. Individual property owners are not eligible to participate in Community Roots. Quantities are limited. Further details are on the ordering page at the Community Roots website.

“Planting any tree should always be done in the right place, away from overhead power lines or underground utility lines,” Hasel said. “We also remind tree recipients to always call 811 at least three business days before they dig so any underground utilities in the digging area can be marked.”

Community Roots is another way PPL is demonstrating its commitment to the environment. Other programs include wood pole recycling, metal recycling, use of electric cars and bucket lifts in the company’s fleet, and construction of osprey nesting platforms.

“When it comes to trees, we know not everyone likes that we must cut and trim in the rights of way to help ensure reliable service,” Hasel said. “Community Roots represents a way to promote trees, and their benefits, without affecting reliability.” 

PPL Electric Utilities provides electric delivery service to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania and ranks among the best utility companies in the country for customer service and reliability. PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer in the communities it serves. It is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). For more information visit www.pplelectric.com.