Trees are a valuable asset in commercial, private and public landscapes. They add beauty, help our environment and add value to the property. However, these same trees can be a major challenge for REC.
- Trees are one of the major causes of power outages in areas with overhead utility lines.
- When trees contact live wires they may become conductors of electricity, causing power outages or creating dangerous situations for anyone coming in contact with the trees.
REC works hard maintaining its rights of way near overhead lines to provide safe and reliable electrical service.
- We employ certified arborists and professional foresters to oversee our vegetation management program.
- For most of our rights of way, routine vegetation management activities are completed on a year-round schedule of approximately every five years.
- Tree pruning or take down outside of this regularly scheduled maintenance is completed only at the request of the landowner or to correct a hazardous situation. If you have a tree next to an overhead line that needs to be taken down or pruned, please contact us.
- Trees planted in the proper location can actually lower your electric bill by providing shade in the summer and protection from cold winds in the winter. Visit the Arbor Day website for more information on planting the right tree in the right place.
Although REC would prefer that no trees are planted within our rights of way with overhead lines, or within 10 feet of our underground transformers, you can help by using these guidelines when planting trees near overhead lines. Before you plant, call VA811, formerly Miss Utility, at least three days in advance (not counting weekends and holidays) to have your underground utilities marked. They can be reached by simply dialing 8-1-1.