March 18, 2014 - In recognition of Tennessee's Arbor Day on March 7, KUB and its contractor planted 26 dogwood trees around the community at Habitat for Humanity homes that were built over the past year within KUB's service territory. "KUB employees have been big supporters of Habitat over the years," said Liz Hannah, KUB's Lead Forester. "Planting these trees is a way to highlight for these new homeowners - and our community as a whole - how important it is to plant trees in the right place away from overhead electric lines." KUB began the Habitat for Humanity tree planting program in 2008 and has planted more than 200 trees to date in association with this program. Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is an independent, nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that partners with people of all beliefs. Knoxville Habitat for Humanity has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1985 and has built more than 460 simple, decent and affordable homes in Knox County. Volunteers and future homeowners provide the labor in building the homes.

KUB encourages customers to use proper tree planting techniques; including planting the right species in the right place to avoid future growth into power lines and by using the Call 811 system to prevent dig-ins on utility lines during an excavation project.

KUB is committed to pruning practices that support safe and reliable electric service and help preserve the health of the tree. Trees add beauty and life to our community, as well as help conserve energy, increase property values, and clean our air and water.

KUB's Vegetation Management Program includes tree-pruning practices approved by the Arbor Day Foundation. The foundation has named KUB a Tree Line USA utility each year since 2001 for following best practices in utility arboriculture through quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education.

KUB serves approximately 200,000 electric customers and maintains more than 5,000 miles of electric lines. KUB appreciates its customers' cooperation as it continues its vegetation management responsibilities to support safe and reliable electric service. For more information on how to plant the right tree in the right place, Tennessee's Call 811 system, or KUB's tree pruning services, visit www.kub.org.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com.