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Right of Way (ROW) clearing is an important part of system maintenance to ensure we provide safety and reliable electricity to our Members - that’s why Farmers’ Electric Cooperative crews, as well as contractors working for the Cooperative, are clearing the Right-of-Way and conducting vegetation management regularly.

A right-of-way corridor for an electric line is a strip of land that an electric utility uses to construct, maintain, repair, or replace an overhead or underground power line. The corridor allows the utility to provide clearance from trees, buildings, and other structures that could interfere with the line installation, maintenance, and operation. 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’ Electric prefers to remove the tree to eliminate the hazard completely. The graphic illustrates which trees and shrubs are safe and not so safe to plant around utility lines.

    Plant the right trees in the right place


    We clear the ROW because:

    • It decreases the chance of a tree or a branch falling on the line, leaving Members temporarily without power.

    • It provides our linemen and contractors with a safer area to work by having a clear path and powerlines.

    • It decreases the chance of a hazardous electric and/or fire emergency on the landowner’s property.

    • It helps us provide safe and reliable service.

    • It controls service costs by decreasing the chance of damage to lines and poles.


    Farmer’s Electric Members received an impressive service reliability factor of more than 99% in 2021 – and this comes from a lot of hard work. Your Cooperative has over 3,700 miles of power lines, which means there is an abundance of right-of-way that needs to be cleared every year in order to help maintain that reliability.

    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 to get additional information.

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