Trees are an essential part of the environment. They can protect our homes from elements, give us clean air, and make the landscape prettier. However, during storms they can be dangerous to our personal property. They can fall on our homes, cars, and power lines. When a tree or limb falls on the power lines it disrupts service. This is why the cooperative does year round trimming and removal of trees within the service territory.
If you have a tree with a limb near the lines or plan on trimming a tree that is in danger of falling on the lines, we ask that you call us and we will send someone out to take a look at it first. The co-op does a majority of our tree trimming during the spring, summer, and after storms.
We base where we trim in the service territory off a few different factors. First, we keep records of where we trim so that we can look back and see what areas have gone the longest without any trimming. Second, servicemen will often report any trees that threaten the lines or areas that need attention. Third, the line reconductoring currently going on often requires trees to be trimmed or removed in order to bring the line closer to the road. In all cases, we work closely with the land owners before any trimming or removal is done.
Before any tree removal or trimming near power lines, give us a call at 1-800-468-4732 and we will take a look at it to see if we can assist you or if a private tree service is necessary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will you contact me before trimming?
We make every effort to contact landowners before we come. Notice will be posted on our web site as well as in the center section of Illinois Country Living. If yard trees are involved, our Right-of-Way Coordinator or our contractor will make every effort to meet with you in person. If all else fails, we will leave you a door card in advance, and you can give us a call if you have any concerns.
Why do you need so much clearance?
Your cooperative operates and maintains 3,000 miles of line to serve all 8,000 members. Without sufficient clearance, outages and blinks would increase and frequency of trimming would also increase. Your quality of service would suffer and maintenance cost would rise.
Do you use chemical treatment as part of your right-of-way maintenance program?
Yes. We will return to chemically treat the right-of-way 1-2 years after the initial clearing has been done. If vegetation is small, some areas can be controlled through use of chemicals without first clearing, reducing the overall cost of maintenance. All products we use are approved for utility right-of-way use and are very safe, and our employees and contractors all have the appropriate Illinois licenses.
How close to the power lines can I plant trees?
That varies with variety. At mature height there should still be 20′ clearance from power lines. Please plant as far away as possible and never plant under the line.
Can I plant shrubs next to padmount transformers or meter pedestals?
Keep in mind there are buried electric lines around these devices. First call JULIE to get underground lines marked. For your safety, please do not dig within 5′ of marked lines and plant no closer than 10′ from any device.
If I have a yard tree under the line, what options do I have?
Other than trimming, we offer a tree replacement program. If you allow us to remove the tree, we will issue a voucher to use toward the purchase of a replacement tree. Contact us for details.
The illustrations below are used as a general rule of thumb to show proper tree clearing around power lines.
