When trees and power lines cross paths: caring for both

ahowat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:52:18 +0000

When trees and power lines cross paths: caring for both

March 1, 2026

Trees do a lot of good for our communities. They clean the air, absorb carbon dioxide, and — when planted in the right places — help shield homes from harsh winds and summer sun. That natural protection can even reduce the energy needed to heat and cool our homes. But when trees grow too close to power lines, those benefits can quickly turn into serious safety risks.

In fact, trees are involved in up to half of all power outages. Sometimes the trouble comes suddenly, when high winds or ice storms snap branches into lines. Other times, it happens slowly as branches naturally grow closer and begin rubbing against power lines. Trees near lines can also pose a hidden danger to children who may try to climb them or to homeowners who attempt trimming on their own. Any limb touching a power line can become energized, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.

That’s why maintaining safe clearances around power lines is so important. To improve reliability and reduce outages, our co-op follows a proactive tree and brush management program. This work isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about protecting people, property, and the long-term health of our local trees.

2026 tree-trimming locations

We partner with professional tree contractors who share that commitment. Our contractor, Fitzwater Tree Care, uses industry-approved methods that focus on both safety and tree health. Trimming is done using directional pruning, a technique designed to guide future growth away from power lines rather than straight back toward them.

Directional pruning removes entire limbs — or portions of limbs — back to a suitable branch or trunk, where they would naturally shed over time. This approach preserves the tree’s natural defense system, minimizes stress on the tree, and helps maintain a healthier crown. While the results may look different than the old practice of simply rounding off the top of a tree, directional pruning is far better for the tree in the long run.

In some cases, trimming alone isn’t enough. Trees that grow rapidly directly beneath power lines, lean toward high-voltage lines, or have structural defects may need to be removed entirely to prevent future hazards. These decisions are never taken lightly and are made with safety and reliability in mind.

Before any trimming takes place, affected members are notified by email or letter so there are no surprises. By working together — planting the right tree in the right place and allowing trained professionals to handle trimming — we can enjoy the many benefits trees provide while keeping our electrical system safe and reliable for everyone.

A cut above

ahowat — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:26:50 +0000

A cut above

March 1, 2026

Adam Osborn

Tree and vegetation management keeps the lights on

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?

Adam Osborn,
Director of Operations

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.

Mill Substation

Feeder 4
Members in northwest Wayne Township, west Gratis Township, east and southeast Somers Township, and Deer Run Campground

Tolbert Substation

Feeder 1
Members in northwest Wayne Township

Feeder 2
Members in central Wayne Township

Feeder 4
Members in west and northwest Wayne Township and north and northeast Milford Township

Stillwell Beckett Substation

Feeder 1

Members in north Hanover Township and south Milford Township

Feeder 2
Members in east and north central Hanover Township and northwest St. Clair Township

Feeder 3
Members in central and south central
Hanover Township

Ross Substation

Feeder 1
Members in east Ross Township and south
St. Clair Township

Feeder 3
Members in central, south, and southeast
Ross Township

Feeder 4
Members in north central and northeast Ross Township

Colerain Substation

Feeder 4
Members in Colerain Township and southwest Fairfield Township

Reily Substation

Feeder 2
Members in central and east Reily Township and west and southwest Hanover Township