Trees are majestic, beautiful and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Tennessee’s electric cooperatives strive to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity.
Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation.
In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.
Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.
Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.
Tennessee’s electric co-ops strive to keep costs down for our members.
If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. Strategic vegetation management programs help keep costs down for everyone.
When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help, too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re placed a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 feet or smaller) should be planted at least 25 feet from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 feet) should be planted at least 50 feet from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 feet from the transformer door and 4 feet from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.
Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, let your electric cooperative know.
We have deep roots in our communities, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and a vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.
