Storms and Strong Winds in the Forecast

We want to ask members to stay informed about weather conditions as we monitor the potential for severe weather affecting our service area today, Tuesday, June 16. Be mindful of hazards that may accompany high winds, including fallen trees, flying debris, and damaged power lines.
Prepare for Storms Electric Line Safety
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About Vegetation Management

Tree Trimming

Maintaining electric lines alongside beautiful old groves of maple, oak, and ash is not an easy job.

  • A 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, creating additional operational and restoration expenses
  • Trees are part of nature we all value, which is why SCI employs several certified arborists on its Vegetation Management team
  • View our Vegetation Management Brochure (PDF)

Our Vegetation Management Team

SCI has several certified employees:

  • 21 Pesticide Registered Technicians (RT)
  • 9 Licensed Industrial Weed Management Applicators (Category 6)
  • 1 Licensed Aquatic Pesticide Applicators (Category 5)
  • 5 ISA Internationally Certified Utility Arborist (less than 30 in Indiana)
  • 7 ISA Internationally Certified Arborist (around 200 in Indiana)
  • 2 ISA Qualified Tree Risk-Assessors

A Clear Path

  • Ideally, a clear right-of-way has no trees, limbs, or brush within 15 feet in either direction of the centerline created by a series of poles
  • Creating a clear path requires a sensitive approach
  • The health and appearance of the trees is important
  • Trees are trimmed when limbs come closer than 10 feet to the neutral or phase wires

Maintenance By Request

  • It is our responsibility not only to maintain the area around the lines but to keep you safe as well
  • Property owners can put themselves at risk by 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 10 feet of our power lines anywhere on your property, call for assistance
  • Property owners cutting or trimming trees that cause damage to SCI REMC facilities will be billed for repairs

Notifying Members

  • SCI REMC will make every attempt to notify our members before work is done on your property
  • This work is done at no extra charge to the member

For the Environment

  • SCI REMC maintains a Wildlife Enhancement Program that fosters various native species in our service territory
  • We even use a proprietary wildlife seed mix in our rights-of-ways to enhance the wildlife population

Colored Ribbons on Trees

When our Vegetation Management team identifies vegetation on your property that requires attention, you will see a colored ribbon tied to it. These ribbons allow us to identify the work that will be performed.

  • Red = trees that are to be removed
  • Green = trees that are to be trimmed
  • Black/Yellow Striped = dead/danger trees to be “made safe” or agreed upon, member requested, removals

Trees “Made Safe”

  • The definition of “made safe” is: a tree that needs to be cut below line level so that if it falls or the remainder is cut, it will not hit any line structures (electric, telephone, cable, etc.)
  • There is no clean-up of any debris left after “made safe” has been performed
  • All debris will remain on your property

Please do not remove any identification ribbons that may be placed on your trees or bushes until crews have completed the necessary work.

Stump Removal

  • Stump removal is not part of the tree removal process
  • Stumps will be cut as close to the ground as permitted by conditions and property owner agreements