In order to provide safe and reliable electric service to our customers, trees must be properly maintained and kept clear of electric power lines. Trees are a leading cause of electrical power outages. In fact when trees and power lines touch it is a very dangerous situation to anyone in close proximity to the tree.

To help maintain safe, reliable electric service to our customers, Tri-County REC has implemented an aggressive right of way clearing and trimming program to control brush and trees in the vicinity of our power lines.

When Tri-County REC identifies an area that needs maintenance, the customers will be contacted at first by mail, stating Tri-County REC or our contractors will be in your area trimming or removing trees along our right of way. This gives the customer the opportunity to contact us with any questions or concerns. Once the crew actually moves into the area, the foreman attempts to contact the property owners before entering your property to explain the extent of the maintenance planned. This contact could be by personal visit, phone call or a door tag left on your door a few days before work will be done.

Tri-County REC uses directional pruning techniques; these techniques were developed by the National Arborist Association and published by the National Standard Institute (ANSI). Directional pruning is the accepted standard by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture. Directional pruning removes the entire branch or limb back to the main trunk of the tree. In this way the future tree growth is directed away from the power lines.

To provide adequate clearance around power lines, some trees require more pruning than others, if the pruning cannot be done without severely impacting its health or shape they will need to be removed. Electric utilities have the right-of-way easements that give the utility the right to remove any tree interfering with the maintenance or operation of the system.

After trees are trimmed or removed, the limbs and brush are lopped or wind-rowed on the sides of the right-of-way. Wood is left on the property and belongs to the landowner. Chipping is only done where absolutely necessary - typically, mowed yard areas around homes.

Storms, Trees &
Utility Lines

Planting Trees
in the Right Place

Trees and Underground
Utility Lines

Your Street Trees
May Be Public Trees

Illustrations & Content:
Courtesy of
The National Arbor Day Foundation.