There are many ways Union Power provides you with safe, reliable electric service. One of the most common, most visual and most crucial ways is referred to as right-of-way clearing (or vegetation management). A right-of-way refers to a strip of land underneath and around power lines that your electric cooperative has the given right and responsibility to maintain and clear. 

Trees and shrubs that grow into power lines can cause and delay the restoration of power. They are also dangerous because they can become energized if they make contact with power lines. 

If trees or plants must be placed in the right-of-way, they should be a low-growing variety (species that grow no taller than 20 feet at maturity) and should be planted at the edge of the right-of-way and not directly under the wires or on berms. Union Power’s safe right-of-way maintenance distance varies depending upon the size and type of equipment. 

Based on Cooperative specifications, Union Power will remove or trim existing trees on a cycle basis that are within the right-of-way area. This is done to ensure vegetation is far enough away from conductors to avoid contact and potentially cause harm to individuals, cause fires or disrupt electric service.