A cut above

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March 1, 2026

Adam Osborn

Tree and vegetation management keeps the lights on

Different ways to trim trees around power lines

Nelson Tree Service uses pruning methods approved by the National Arborist Association in Butler's distribution system.

Tree and vegetation management is an important part of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual work plan. This task is vital for delivering safe, reliable power to members.

What is a right-of-way?

A right-of-way is the strip of land underneath and around power lines and equipment, which Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has the authority and obligation to access, maintain, and clear to prevent disruptions in electric service and harm to lineworkers or the public. Specifications vary, but a general rule of thumb for a safe right-of-way is

maintaining 10 to 15 feet of clearance on either side of primary power lines. The area above poles and wires should be kept clear of all vegetation. For underground equipment, there should be a minimum of 10 feet between shrubs and other plants and padmount, or ground, transformers.

Why is this important?

Downed trees cause a substantial number of power outages, and each year our lineworkers take steps to reduce their impact. Clearing the right-of-way is crucial for keeping our members’ power on. Branches that come into contact with power lines can cause voltage fluctuations, blinking lights, and outages.

Tree and vegetation management also keeps your family safe by ensuring tree branches and vegetation do not become energized due to close contact with power lines or other electric equipment. With the ability to carry up to 69,000 volts, a power line touching a tree branch can be incredibly dangerous — even deadly — so always be mindful around trees that are close to power lines.

Our responsibility

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative maintains more than 1,100 miles of line, which bring power to more than 12,000 homes and businesses, making tree and vegetation management a big job. Each year, we schedule contractors to work in specific areas of the cooperative’s service territory to try to stay ahead of any potential issues.

If trees invade the right-of-way, Nelson Tree Service, the cooperative’s contractor, will cut down trees and trim vegetation using chainsaws, bucket trucks, tree climbers, brush chippers, and mowers.

Nelson Tree Service uses pruning methods approved by the National Arborist Association in our distribution system. Examples of these methods are shown below. While trees may appear unbalanced after trimming, the appearance will soften over time. Contractors may also cut down trees in the right-of-way with member approval.

2026 Tree and vegetation management route

This year, Nelson Tree Service, the cooperative’s contractor, will complete tree and vegetation management work in the areas below. They will cut down trees and trim vegetation in the right-of-way using chainsaws, bucket trucks, tree climbers, brush chippers, and mowers.

Methods

Tree-trimming contractors use pruning methods approved by the National Arborist Association in our distribution system. While trees may appear unbalanced after trimming, the appearance will soften over time. Contractors may also cut down trees in the right-of-way with member approval.

Notices

The cooperative sends emails and letters to members before tree and vegetation management occurs in their area and sends surveys once the work is complete. Feedback from these surveys helps make decisions to improve the cooperative.

Report trees that pose risks to power lines

If you have trees or vegetation that may pose a risk to our power lines, complete the request form at butlerrural.coop > Electric Service > Your Service > Tree and Vegetation Management or call us at 513-867-4400.