Tree Placement Essential for Safety, Reliability
Posted on August 28th, 2024
Trees are one of the significant causes of power outages in areas with overhead utility lines. When trees contact live wires, they may become conductors of electricity and cause power outages or create dangerous situations for anyone in contact with them.
When selecting a tree for planting, consider its mature height when determining a suitable planting location.
Native species often grow better with fewer insects and disease problems than non-native trees.
For areas near houses and overhead utilities, there are three tree height zones for small, medium and large trees, as depicted in the graphic. In the no-tree zone, plant only large shrubs and small trees with mature heights of 20 feet or less.
Before you plant any trees near underground utilities, it's essential to call Arkansas 811 at least 48 hours in advance. This proactive step will ensure your safety and the integrity of the utilities, as they will be marked at no charge, helping you avoid any potential issues.
Trees planted within First Electric's easement (15 feet on either side of the line) must be removed once trimming becomes necessary. All trees along fences, roadways and other unmaintained areas will be removed during regularly scheduled maintenance, regardless of size or height.
Go to firstelectric.coop/vegetation-management for more information on vegetation management.