The Arbor Day Foundation has named Middle Tennessee Electric a 2020 Tree Line USA utility in honor of its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in the provider's service area.

Tree Line USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters and recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America's urban trees. Tree Line USA promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.

"Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water and a tolerable climate. Service providers like Middle Tennessee Electric demonstrate that it's possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens."

For the past three years, Middle Tennessee Electric has maintained this certification from Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards.

1. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care
2. Provide annual worker training in best tree care practices
3. Sponsor a tree planting and public education program
4. Maintain a tree-based energy conservation program
5. Participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

Middle Tennessee Electric is proud of this honor and the hard work of its vegetation management team.

For more information on MTE's Vegetation Management Program, please visit https://www.mtemc.com/VegetationManagement.

If you'd like to know more information about Tree Line USA, please visit  www.arborday.org/TreeLineUSA.