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Right-of-Way Maintenance

full width paragraph

When a tree grows into a power line, one of two scenarios may occur. First, a broken branch could fall onto the line, breaking the electrical wire. This could cause a power outage, sometimes to a wide geographical area and affecting a large number of people. The broken wire (which could still be "live") could dangle from the utility line, causing a potential hazard to those in the area. If someone touches the line, or even touches the ground around the line, they could be killed instantly or at least severely injured.

Another potential injury could occur if someone tries climbing a tree extending into a power line. The weight of their body may cause a limb to touch the electrical wires, sending electricity from the wire, through the branch, and into the person. The person could be severely injured by the shock, knocked from the tree causing further injury, or killed instantly.

While outages are inconvenient and costly to the Cooperative and its Members, it is the personal injuries that Cooperative officials worry about the most.

To help alleviate these scenarios, the cooperative has implemented a comprehensive tree trimming or right-of-way program.

When possible, branches and limbs are just cut back from the lines, but when offending trees are located within 20 feet on either side of the utility line, Farmers’ prefers to remove the tree to eliminate the hazard completely.  The graphic (provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation) illustrated the appropriate right-of-way for utility lines.

    Right of Way Tree Placement Image

    Our goals include:

    • the safety of the Member, the linemen, and the right-of-way crews
    • education of Members in the reasoning behind tree trimming
    • to clear and maintain the system on a regular rotation
    • to find the most productive, cost-effective method and system for keeping a clear right of way
    • to leave the Members happier than we found them, through complete education, superior trimming services, and an effective tree replacement program.

    Tree Replacement Program

    If you have a tree on your property with branches in the primary or secondary power lines, then service reliability at your home (or your neighbor's home) will be challenged.  Through your Cooperative's Tree Replacement Program, Farmers' Electric Cooperative will remove the troublesome tree while you pick one of four flowering ornamental trees to replace it.  The tree will be planted by a local nursery professional at no cost to you.  Contact the Cooperative at 660-646-4281 or 800-279-0496 to get additional information.

    Tags
  • Right of Way
  • Maintenance
  • Tree
  • Replacement
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    ©2019 Farmers' Electric Cooperative. Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

    • Home
    • Account Services
      • Payment Options
      • Rates
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Service Connect/Disconnect
      • Power Outage
      • Local Assistance Agencies
    • Member Services
      • Owner's Manual
      • Annual Meeting
      • Capital Credits
      • Co-op Connections Program
      • Digital Rural Missouri
    • Energy Efficiency
      • 101 Easy Ways to Save
      • Home Energy Review
      • Rebates
      • Switch Team/Peak Alerts
    • Community
      • Area Youth Benefit Fund
        • AYBF Sponsorship Opportunities
        • Thank You
      • Youth Programs
      • Chillicothe Industrial Park
    • Safety
      • Storm Safety
      • Right-of-Way Maintenance
      • Generator Safety
      • Life Support Registry
    • Renewable Energy
      • Solar Energy
      • Solar 101 Project
      • Wind Energy
      • Green Power
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Net Metering
    • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Board of Directors
      • Our Story
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Media Guide
      • Partner Links