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Trees & Power Lines

We're actively reducing outages and preventing safety hazards by properly managing vegetation near our power lines.

Vegetation Management

Trees and power lines don’t mix.

When trees or other vegetation contact power lines, sparks can fly, power can be lost, electricity can travel to another object or structure, or even worse.

A leading risk for fires is improperly managed vegetation, and each year people are injured or killed when climbing or pruning trees near power lines.

To ensure the safe, reliable, efficient delivery of your power across our electric system, we actively follow industry best-practices for vegetation management.

Understand what our role is in keeping our rights-of-way clear of hazards so we can continuously provide you the safe, reliable power you depend on.

Learn the ways you can help reduce the likelihood of trees on your property contacting electric lines. And know what to do if you have a tree concern.

Request Tree Trimming

Our Role in Vegetation Management

Maintaining rights-of-way clearance is necessary to provide you safe and reliable service. We utilize our own tree trimming experts and contractor crews to clear trees and other vegetation along the right-of-way for our power lines. Our vegetation management plan operates on a 3-year rotation of areas across our service territory.

We operate within our rights-of-way, dependent on access. If we do not have proper access, we will work with members and always respect your property.

Know What Is Your Responsibility

When planning your home’s landscape, it is important to select the right tree for the right place. Because different trees have different mature heights, plan carefully where you plant each tree. Planting the right tree in the right place will enhance your property value and could add energy efficiency while also preventing costly trimming or damage to your home in the future.

Good landscaping must utilize shrubs and low-growing trees that are compatible with electric utility lines. Low-growing trees will not normally reach power lines, and therefore will help prevent power interruptions to you and your neighbors.

Vegetation Management FAQs

Why do we trim or remove trees?

It’s crucial we keep power lines clear of trees and other vegetation to help protect our electrical system from hazards and ensure the reliable delivery of power. Proper vegetation management helps prevent tree-related power outages and helps mitigate the risk of fire.
When do we trim trees vs. remove them?

We trim or remove trees within 10 feet of primary overhead electrical lines. We will remove ‘hazard trees’ that could be diseased, dying, or dead, or in situations where a tree may affect the integrity of our power lines.
How am I notified of vegetation management on my property?

We communicate with members before crews come to your property. We send out postcards or email alerts in anticipation of planned work. Ensure we have your up-to-date contact information by completing this form, or by setting your notification preferences in our mobile app or in your online account.
Who will trim or remove trees on my property?

We utilize specially trained tree trimming experts who specialize in working near high-voltage power lines with proper equipment. Our PVREA crews or contract crews will perform any necessary work.
What happens to the wood or wood chips after trimming?

Wood that is too large for the chipper is piled and left for the property owner.
What is my responsibility as a homeowner?

Members are responsible for obstructions in secondary lines – from the meter to your home or other structures on your property.

Do not attempt to remove anything in contact with power lines. Contact us or a trained private tree removal specialist if a tree limb is contacting power lines.
What is the 10-foot rule?

Help protect your community from power outages, damaged utility equipment, and fires by reporting vegetation concerns to us and observe the ten-foot rule between trees and power lines on your property.

Tree Trimming Request

Please complete our online form to request vegetation management on your property. You can also contact us during business hours to submit a tree trimming request.

Request Tree Trimming