Tree Trimming
Why We Trim Trees
To ensure safe and reliable service for all members, routine trimming or pruning of trees and other vegetation – such as vines, shrubs, and bushes – is necessary. Branches that come into contact with power lines can cause power impairments in many ways by reducing voltage, causing short circuits, complete outages, and fires. The result can be injuries to those close to lines or a lack of power to our homes and businesses.
It’s an important part of the service we provide to our members for three reasons: safety, reliability and cost.
Safety
Our primary concern is the safety of our workers and members. ROW clearing keeps your family safe by ensuring that tree branches do not become energized due to close contact with a power line. Be mindful when around trees close to power lines, and make sure your children know that climbing trees near power lines is extremely dangerous. Properly maintained ROW keeps our crews safe when they are restoring service and maintaining our system.
Reliability
If severe weather occurs, a well maintained ROW leads to fewer outages and a faster response time. Trees are less of a threat. When trees do fall, crews are able to restore service more quickly than they could with poorly maintained areas.
Cost
Linn County REC strives to keep costs affordable. Maintaining our ROW is an important part of controlling costs. Fewer and shorter outages saves money for everyone. Outsourcing our ROW maintenance is another way for us to keep costs low. These companies are specialized and are able to access equipment that Linn County REC can’t without significant costs.
How We Trim Trees
Linn County REC has a year-round program that maintains our right-of-way (ROW). A ROW refers to a strip of land underneath or around power lines that Linn County REC has the right and responsibility to maintain and clear. A safe ROW is 15 feet of clearance on either side of the primary conductors and 20 feet of overhead clearance above the highest wire on the pole.
We outsource our ROW maintenance to Asplundh Tree Expert Company and Midwest Spray Team. Our tree trimming and removal program keeps tree limbs and other obstacles away from high-voltage power lines. In 2021, they started pruning trees using the straight vertical side process to be more effective.
How You Can Help
Members can help by trimming trees and underbrush that could grow to interfere with ROW guidelines. For safety reasons, don't attempt to remove or trim trees already near or touching the lines. Call the our office and we will ensure that a crew takes action and prevents possible power loss. When crews are on your property, please allow them to remove trees and underbrush near power lines. Clearance is to take place in the ROW easement or private property.
When planning future landscaping, consider the mature size of trees and shrubs to determine a proper planting distance. The planting guideline below can help you choose the best vegetation for you and Linn County REC. Together, we can find solutions that allow trees to flourish while maintaining a clear ROW for power lines.
How To Report Trees That Need To Be Trimmed
Please contact Linn County REC before you trim or remove trees near any power service or line. If you would like to report a tree that needs trimmed, please contact our Operations Department and fill out the tree permit form below:
