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 Heartland REMC strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.
RELIABILITY
Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we have 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. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we can better prepare for severe weather events.
SAFETY
Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, trees touching power lines in our members’ yards 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.
When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help, too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted 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, contact 811 before you begin any project requiring digging.
Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting our office at 260-758-3155.
We have deep roots in our community and love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is crucial in ensuring service reliability.
