Vegetation Management

Tree work ahead road sign with bucket truck and safety cones on road ahead. Our electrical system covers more than 1,800 miles, much of it through wooded areas. Unfortunately, trees and power lines just aren’t a good mix. In fact, trees growing in or around power lines are the number one cause of blinks and outages on our system.

Trees too close to power lines can also be deadly to you and your children. Clark County REMC’s Right-of-Way, or tree trimming, program trims, controls, and, if necessary, removes trees and other vegetation around 10 to 15 feet on either side of the center-line of electric lines.

How We Trim

Clark County REMC contracts with local professional tree-trimming contractors that specialize in this type of work. All of these tree trimmers are trained in and practice ANSI 300 standards for trimming trees (guidelines for preserving each tree’s health and longevity).

What We Trim

We trim away branches growing through or around the lines. We also remove branches growing above lines, where snow or ice could cause branches to sag or fall onto live lines. It is also sometimes necessary to target entire trees. These include trees that are weak, diseased, dying, or severely damaged. It may also include trees that would have to be trimmed so much that they would not survive or would be very unsightly. Typically, if more than ¼ of the crown or the main stem of a tree is removed, its overall health is severely affected.

Clark County REMC pays for the tree trimming done in your neighborhood. When we trim or remove a tree, we clean up the area and haul away the brush. Logs too large to be mulched and hauled away (usually six inches in diameter and larger) are cut into smaller lengths and left on site for the property owner’s disposal. When storms knock trees into our lines, we do not clean up or remove debris left behind.

Tree Trimming Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant trees?

The best time to plant trees is in the spring or the fall.

Trees and power lines often coexist without problems. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take precautions when planting a tree.

  • Before you dig, call 811, the underground utility locator service to mark the location of underground utilities so accidental contact, damage and injuries can be avoided.
  • Choose trees that will grow no higher than 25 feet when planting near power lines. Plant larger trees more than 40 to 60 feet away from power lines.
  • Do not plant near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow and interfere with underground pipes, cables, and wires. Future repairs to these facilities also could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees.
  • Pick the right spot. Don't plant trees, shrubs, plants, or other vegetation where they can damage electrical equipment or interfere with your electric co-op's ability to access it.
  • Ask Clark County REMC to come trim your tree if it begins growing near power lines; don't risk your safety doing it yourself.

Large trees - height/spread of more than 40 feet, such as: maple, oak, spruce, pine, birch, sweetgum, linden. 50 feet away from poles. Medium trees  - height/spread of 25 to 40 feet, such as: washington hawthorne, goldenraintree, eastern redbud, american arborvitae, dogwoods. 20 to 50 feet away from poles. Small trees - height/spread of no more than 25 feet such as: star magnolia, crabapple, lilac. 0 to 20 feet from pole. Avoid planting within 20 feet of power lines. When planting within 20 feet is unavoidable, use only shrubs and small trees. For more tips on smart tree planting in your community, contact your local electric cooperative or visit www.ArborDay.org.

Why do you trim trees?

A clear right-of-way improves power quality, reliability, and safety. We all enjoy trees, but when they interfere with power lines, reliability and safety are compromised. That's why it's important to remove trees, branches, and brush from the right-of-way.

Underground Facilities & Clearances

REMC’s Requirements for Underground Clearance

If you have electrical equipment in your yard, please take time to make sure there are no shrubs, plants, or other foliage planted anywhere near the transformer. REMC requires that there be at least 12 feet of clearance in front of the equipment, and at least 3 feet on every side.

Safety and reliability are our main concerns. In the middle of a storm, when your power is out, we need to be able to access your equipment without fighting through bushes or other obstacles. By clearing away obstructions, you can do your part to keep our linemen safe and help REMC continue to deliver the very best service possible.

We work hard to always put our members first. Thank you for your cooperation as we keep your electric grid in excellent shape to deliver reliable, affordable power to you, our member-owners. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us.