Vegetation Schedule 2026
You Can Help Keep Lines Safe
You can see by the size of our map that we cover a large area that takes several years to complete a full cycle of tree trimming. For that reason we request members work with us in the following ways to keep lines clear.
Don't plant near our lines. Even bushes and vines growing near or on poles can cause our equipment to rot quicker or prevent linemen from accessing areas to perform maintenance. For tree planting, please ensure that the outer edge of the branches of the tree at full maturity will be at least 15 feet from our overhead power lines. Roots can grow out 2-3 times the edge of the branches within just a few years so please be aware of underground lines as well. Always call JULIE at 8-1-1 to locate lines before planting.
Keep trees trimmed near secondary lines. We focus efforts on the high-voltage side of the transformer. Members are responsible for the maintenance of trees and vegetation adjacent to their service lines, which connect the main power line to their home. For safety reasons, we encourage property owners to contact us to arrange for a temporary disconnection of their service line, allowing qualified tree services to perform necessary work safely.
Vegetation Management
Safety & Reliability
Maintaining clear and safe power line corridors is essential to protecting the public and the electrical system that serves our communities. Trees and other vegetation growing too close to power lines can cause power outages, equipment damage, and in some cases, wildfires. These hazards also increase the risk of serious injury or electrocution to utility workers, property owners, and the public.
Proactive vegetation management helps prevent these dangers before they occur. By keeping power lines clear, we improve system reliability, reduce emergency repairs, and ensure crews can safely access equipment when maintenance or restoration is needed.
2026 Schedule
We will collaborate with Spoon River Electric Cooperative and engage contracted crews to manage the cutting and mowing of vegetation along the circuits extending from our substations located in Petersburg, Saidora, Lanesville and Mechanicsburg.
In addition, herbicide will be applied selectively to the brush as necessary in the areas previously trimmed served by the substations in Petersburg, Sherman, Barclay, Lanesville and Mechanicsburg.
Our Specifications
Crews are directed to trim to the American National Standards Institute requirements to assure the continued health of trees. These practices may not be the most visually appealing, but they are healthier for the tree in the long term and safer for our members, employees and the public.
Our specifications are to clear single-phase lines at least 15 feet on each side of the line and three-phase lines at least 25 feet from the center of the pole. When vegetation cannot be safely trimmed to meet clearance requirements, tree removal may be necessary. This may include hazard trees or vegetation growing beneath or near larger trees that could interfere with power lines in the future. These actions help ensure long-term reliability and reduce repeat maintenance needs.
We selectively apply herbicide to brush as needed in areas that were trimmed the previous year in order to control problematic re-growth. This is the most beneficial and cost effective method of right-of-way maintenance.
For further details download our Vegetation Management Policy.
