Detroit Edison has been named a Tree Line USA Utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation - the 12th straight year the company has been honored for its tree-trimming practices. The award recognizes utilities whose line-clearance programs include quality tree care, annual worker training in tree-care practices, and a tree planting and public education program.

"When utilities preserve community trees while providing reliable service, it helps assure us of beautiful trees for the future, and it also results in long-term operational savings for the utility," said John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation.

The Tree Line USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program.

"We're delighted to receive this award for the 12th consecutive year," said Vince Dow, DTE Energy vice president of Distribution Operations. "Approximately two-thirds of the power outages that occur during storms are caused by tree interference. Our line clearance program helps ensure that we're able to provide our customers with safe, reliable service. It's a responsibility we take very seriously and it's wonderful to have our efforts recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation."