When trimming, REA seeks to obtain a minimum of ten years of clearance, but the clearance needed depends on the voltage of the wires. The recommended clearance from the tree to power lines is 15’ on all sides.

Fast-growing, tall trees (such as elms, willows, silver maples) located directly under primary wires can cause repeated outages. To prevent repeat outages and keep the cost of our services down, we prefer to remove these trees rather than frequently prune them. A representative of the tree contractor hired by REA will notify the property owner before removing a tree.

REA contractors will clean up brush from a related trimming, but this does not include additional dead/diseased trees, brush/wood from a member’s property, or debris resulting from a storm or emergency trimming.

When a member has concerns about a tree in their yard or would like assistance in removing a tree, REA will provide services to obtain its standard clearances from the line. If acceptable line clearance already exists, REA can assist the member by temporarily disconnecting the line to allow the tree work to be completed. When this work falls outside of the regular maintenance cycle, disposal of debris is the responsibility of the member.

All lines beyond the meter location belong to the member and tree clearance on those lines is the member’s responsibility. REA recommends hiring a professional, line-clearance certified tree contractor when tree work near electrical conductors is necessary. Please contact call REA at 1-800-473-1722 at least 48 hours prior to schedule a de-energizing appointment.

If a tree causes an outage the line crew or tree crew will clear the tree parts from the line. Debris disposal is the responsibility of the property owner.