Vegetation management and why it matters to you:
Tips to remember:
- Look up when planting trees — if you see an overhead line don't plant a tree underneath, even a small one.
- Ask your nursery how tall your baby tree will grow once it's mature — if it's expected to reach within 20 ft. of the power lines, plant it somewhere else.
- Find out how sprawling the tree's branches will be at maturity — trees planted 10 ft. away from an electric line can still interfere with the wire if the branches spread.
- Don't plant anything within 3 ft. of your electric meter — the device should be accessible to meter readers.
- Is the electric line underground? If so call MLEC before you do any digging.
MLEC contracts with workers who are trained to trim trees, so limbs are a safe distance from overhead power lines. Utility workers urge homeowners to leave the trimming to professionals when branches are within 10 ft of a power line as they are trained to know which direction the pieces will fall, unlike the homeowner, whose cut might land a branch on top of a live wire.
*Special situation options are available through MLEC where the property owner would like to take a more personal investment and agrees to manage the right of way according to the required distance. If interested, contact your local MLEC office as soon as possible. Everything must be in place before annual spraying takes place, usually June-August with the schedule announced in advance.
Did you know?
Falling trees coming in contact with power lines is, by far, the most common cause of power outages on Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative's system. That's why MLEC has a strong and proactive program to keep trees and brush away from power lines. While trees and electricity are great to have, they don't mix because when they do, power reliability and personal safety are at risk.
