Vegetation Management

CHELCO's management and staff recognize and appreciate that trees are valuable assets to our members' landscapes and the quality of life in our area. However, trees and tree branches are one of the most frequent causes of power outages for our co-op. Additionally, brush growing near power lines hinders our crews' ability to restore power quickly.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Southland Utility Services, performs the right-of-way maintenance for our system, helping keep our lines clear from trees, limbs and other vegetation, which promotes a safe and reliable electric distribution system. By trimming limbs, removing trees and applying herbicides to clear invasive vegetation, our lines remain free from obstruction, keeping the power flowing to you when you need it most: always.

 

Tree Planting Graphic

 

Why does CHELCO maintain the right-of-way?

Keeping our lines clear of trees, limbs and other obstructions is essential for safe and reliable electric service. Trees must be pruned to prevent contact between power lines and tree limbs, which reduces the risk of safety concerns and tree-related power outages. Southland Utility Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHELCO, performs all right-of-way maintenance for the cooperative.

 

How does CHELCO determine which trees to cut?

CHELCO's vegetation management methods are performed in accordance with the latest recognized and approved principles of modern arboriculture and tree surgery where possible. In all situations, trees near primary lines should be pruned before they touch the power lines, and enough clearance must be obtained so the trees do not grow back into the lines before right-of-way crews make the cycle and prune them again. Any vegetation within 15 feet on either side of our lines are typically pruned. Right-of-way crews also typically eliminate all trees, tree parts and growth points beneath the wires and all weak, diseased and dead limbs above the wires which may fall or blow onto the wires.

 

How often does CHELCO cut the right-of-way?

CHELCO's subsidiary, Southland Utility Services, maintains the right-of-way on a five-year cycle. Right-of-way crews are always working somewhere, but you can expect them in your area once every five years.

 

Will CHELCO work with me to resolve issues with right-of-way clearing?

CHELCO's top priority is to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity, and right-of-way maintenance is a crucial aspect of achieving that. We also want to make sure members are satisfied with our right-of-way efforts, and that includes discussing solutions for keeping trees near your property visually appealing while also keeping our lines free from obstruction. If you have any feedback about our right-of-way clearing, please call us at (850) 892-2111.

 

Where should I plant new trees to keep them safely away from power lines?

CHELCO supports the philosophy of "The Right Tree in the Right Place" as a means of having an attractive community and a more reliable electric distribution system. Consider height and canopy spread at maturity when planting, and avoid planting within 25 feet of power lines. For full planting guidelines from the Arbor Day Foundation, CLICK HERE.