Tree Planting
Trees require room to grow both above and below ground. Before you plant a new tree, you must identify the right kind of tree for your yard – and the right location, away from power lines and underground facilities.
Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place
Trees beautify our neighborhoods. When planted in the right spot, they can even help lower energy bills. But the wrong tree in the wrong place can be a hazard… especially to power lines.
Avoid planting within 20 feet of power lines. When that’s unavoidable, use only shrubs and small trees.
Large Trees – 40+ Feet
- Maple
- Birch
- Oak
- Sweetgum
- Spruce
- Linden
- Pine
Medium Trees – 25 to 40 Feet
- Washington hawthorn
- Goldenraintree
- Eastern redbud
- American arborvitae
- Dogwoods
Small Trees – 25 Feet or Less
- Star magnolia
- Crabapple
- Lilac
Need Tree Planting Suggestions?
Need suggestions on which kind of tree or shrub to plant?
- Talk to a local nursery
- Contact your County Extension Agent
- Visit the Arbor Day Foundation website
Be Safe!
Always call 811 before you dig to locate any buried utility lines.
Tree Trimming
Tree maintenance helps ensure safe and reliable service. When tree limbs cross electrical wires it can lead to:
- Power outages and blinks
- Downed lines
- Shock and fire hazards
- Danger for children climbing trees
Hazardous Trees
- A tree that is dead or dying, and in danger of falling into the power lines, must be removed.
- When trees pose a risk, they will be trimmed or removed by maintenance crews.
- We also trim back trees when they grow too close to the power lines.
- This service is provided at no additional cost to members.
Maintenance Crews
Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) contracts with McCoy Tree Service to maintain its right-of-way. These crews will:
- Trim or remove trees on the TCEC right-of-way
- Inspect year-round for problematic trees
- Have signs identifying them as contractors on their vehicles
Before trimming or removing trees from a homeowner’s property, they will attempt to contact the homeowner. If unable to reach a homeowner, they will try to leave a notice of their visit to the property.
Tree Removal Requests
If you are concerned about a tree on your property or are interested in the possible removal of a tree near power lines, please call us at (580) 652-2418