Vegetation Management

Utility Compatible Tree & Bush Species List

Click here to contact our Right of Way Department

Maintaining electric lines along side beautiful old groves of maple, oak and ash is not an easy job. It is a very serious matter for every utility that uses overhead lines. One strong wind can turn a scenic front yard into an electrical disaster when trees and lines are not properly maintained.

Tree trimming is a necessary part of providing electric service to your home or business. Without proper trimming, lines are lost, amounting to additional operational expense and restoration of service charges when trees cause outages. Eventually these costs come out of every member's pocket through retail base electric rates.

But trimming costs money, too. The tree-trimming program in South Central Indiana REMC's territory costs about $1,500,000 per year based on a five-year trimming cycle.

So what does a clean right-of-way look like? Ideally there are no trees, limbs or brush within fifteen feet in either direction of the centerline created by a series of poles.

When the cooperative runs new lines to an area, we start with a clear path. Trees are removed; underbrush is cleared and nearby trees are trimmed so that there is a thirty-foot wide passage, clear from the ground up. This also means removing dead trees or trees that lean into the right-of-way. These pose a particular risk of falling and disrupting power by striking power lines.

Just as it is the cooperative's right to a clear path for new construction, it is also our responsibility to keep it clear. This requires a sensitive approach. The health and appearance of the trees is important. Shade, fruit and ornamental trees are not removed unless we receive permission. Where limbs come closer than six feet to the neutral or phase wires, they are trimmed with an eye for symmetry and natural shape of the tree.

As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure." When dealing with long growth cycles, you may forget that the tree you plant today may be a potential electrical hazard when it reaches mature height.

Planning ahead this way is precisely what is needed. While it is preferable to not plant within the thirty-foot clear right-of-way at all, ornamental trees are acceptable if they will never grow tall enough to come within six feet of the lines. The same would apply to shrubs and brush in the right-of-way "corridor."

Safety first. If you come in contact with electric lines, either above or below ground, you could die. It's that simple. Know where the lines are when you dig a hole for that tree, when you place a ladder for working overhead, or when you are working on existing landscaping that comes near. If you aren't sure where your underground lines are, don't guess. Call to have them located.

Look up before you plant. It's the easiest way to make sure your beautiful new landscaping is not going to interfere with your electrical power years down the road.

Protect your investment. Don't put it in our path. If your lines need service, maintenance or repair, we cannot be liable for landscaping placed in the right-of-way. So before you place that expensive Japanese maple under the pole in your yard, keep in mind our trucks or linemen may need that spot for their equipment in an emergency.

Another way property owners put themselves at risk is attempting to maintain trees that come in contact with power lines. The best approach is to not attempt anything yourself. If a tree or brush comes within six feet of our power lines anywhere on your property, call for assistance. It is our responsibility not only to maintain the area around the lines, but to keep you safe as well.

South Central Indiana REMC will make every attempt to notify our customers before work is done on your property. A handy door hanger is left at your residence notifying you who the contractor will be, when work will begin and what areas will be cleared. This work is done at no cost to the customer and we will even arrange to leave FREE wood chips at your home if you desire.

If you have any questions about the right-of-way or tree trimming practices of South Central Indiana REMC, we would be happy to provide a copy of the cooperative's operational procedure. Call our office at (765) 342-3344 extension 159 or toll free at 1-800-264-7362.

South Central Indiana REMC recommends and asks that you refrain from planting trees closer than 25' from poles, guy wires and other energized electrical equipment. However, we understand that this is not always possible, so we have put together this list of trees and bushes to assist you in choosing low-growing, power line compatible species. (For our hardiness zone area 5)

* Note * There are other low growing species available that are compatible with high voltage lines & equipment; please consult with your local arborist or nursery for compatibility and hardiness zone information.

Always be sure to have all underground lines and utilities located before you start planting.

For locates call 1-800-382-5544

Should you have questions, please contact SCI's Vegetation Management Dept. at 1-800-264-7362, Extension #154