Keys Energy Services' Tree Giveaway program, which began in 1994, is part of a nationwide public power program sponsored by the American Public Power Association called Tree Power. The national goal is to plant one tree for every public power customer for a total of 16 million trees.

In 2004, Keys Energy Services received the Golden Tree Award from the American Public Power Association for reaching our goal of planting more than 27,500 trees, or one for every customer we serve. The Golden Tree Award recognizes those participating utilities that reach the threshold of planting one-tree-per-customer. The American Public Power Association is the national service organization representing more than 2,000 community and state-owned electric utilities that provide electricity to 43 million Americans.

In addition to beautifying the community, Keys Energy Services recognizes the additional benefits of planting trees:

• Trees are a natural air filter, removing dust and "greenhouse" gases, such as carbon dioxide, while adding oxygen.
  • One single mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of CO2 emissions each year.
• Properly planted trees provide shade and windbreaks that can save you money on your energy bill.
• A tree's root system can help prevent damaging soil erosion from rain and wind.
• Trees provide new wildlife habitats.

Keys Energy Services hosts its Tree Giveaway in the spring and is on a first-come, first-serve basis for all customers, who have their choice of two free shade trees each.

Beginning after the 15th Annual Tree Giveaway in 2009, KEYS will hold the event on odd-numbered years, with the 16th Annual Tree Giveaway taking place in 2011.