Florida Power & Light: Tree Trimming & Leaf Management

Yes. Florida Power & Light (FPL) actively manages vegetation—including leaves, branches, and trees—near power lines through a comprehensive Vegetation Management Program.

Key Activities

• Routine Cycle Trimming: Certified arborists prune trees on a planned cycle (typically every 3–6 years) to maintain safe clearance from conductors.
• Hazard Tree Removal: Dead, dying, structurally unsound, or fast-growing trees that threaten lines are removed with property owner coordination.
• Debris Cleanup: After trimming/removal, crews chip/haul branches and leaves. During storms, FPL prioritizes clearing vegetation from lines to restore power.
• Leaf-Specific: While leaves alone rarely cause outages, heavy accumulation on lines (especially when wet) can create tracking/shorting. FPL's clearance standards prevent leaf buildup in the strike zone.
• Planting Guidance: "Right Tree, Right Place" program advises customers on low-growing species near lines.

FPL spends ~$100M+/year on vegetation management—critical for Florida's storm-prone, fast-growing environment. Customers can report vegetation concerns via FPL.com or the app.