Tree Trimming and Planting Safety

Understanding vegetation management

We're dedicated to bringing our customers reliable and efficient electrical service. Vegetation management is just one of the ways in which we accomplish this goal.

Tree planting

Thinking about planting a new tree? A little planning now can help prevent future conflicts with power lines and reduce the need for trimming or removal down the road.

Plan before you plant

Look up: Check for overhead power lines. Avoid planting trees directly under or too close to lines.
Look around: Keep space around utility equipment like transformers and poles so crews can safely access them.
Look down: Always call 811 at least two business days before digging to have underground utilities marked—it’s free and it’s the law.

Plant the right tree in the right place

Choosing the right tree for your space makes a big difference over time.

Small ornamental trees are best near power lines.
Medium and large trees should be planted farther away to allow for full growth.
Consider the tree’s height and spread at maturity, not just how it looks today.

Planting in our right-of-way
If your plan includes planting trees near or below one of our power lines, please contact us before you begin.

Vegetation planted within our company’s right-of-way must be pre-approved, even if it’s part of a Natural Resources Conservation Service or other federal or state agency-sponsored conservation plan.

Give us a call at 800-257-4044 or 218-739-8877 during business hours, and we’ll help you determine what’s allowed and where to plant safely.

Tree trimming and maintenance

Managing vegetation

To help maintain safe and reliable electric service, we partner with trusted contractors in your communities to trim trees and manage vegetation. If you see crews working near power lines, they’re likely performing this important work on our behalf. For your safety, please keep a safe distance from crews and equipment while work is underway.

This work rarely requires an interruption to your electric service. If we ever anticipate the need for a scheduled outage, we’ll do our best to notify you in advance.

We notify customers of work being completed in their area through email and a phone call during the month crews anticipate beginning work. Customers may also receive a door hanger, or our contractor might contact you directly. You can also expect that our contractors:

Are well trained and perform work according to safety and clearance standards.
Will clean up branches from the work area unless you request otherwise.
Restore the area to a safe condition after work is complete.

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for this work. However, it’s important to:

Make sure there’s nothing blocking access to power lines on your property as crews may need to enter these areas.
Monitor tree growth on your property and notify us if additional trimming is needed.
Create a plan for removed trees. When a full tree needs to be removed or removal is requested, it will be cut into large logs and left for your personal use.

Vegetation management is crucial for safe and reliable electrical service. Even if trees look like they have adequate line clearance, it’s important to remember other factors that change every day.

Factors to consider

Periods of high demand can cause lines to run at maximum capacity. This can stretch them and cause them to sag.
Weather conditions can lead to snow- or ice-covered lines. Again, causing them to stretch and sag.
Trees can sway back and forth many feet. Without proper clearance they could contact energized lines.

If trees on your property are growing into power lines, and it appears that the trees must be trimmed, please contact our Customer Service Center.

Call 811 before you dig!

It's the law!

Whether you're a homeowner planting trees or a contractor excavating a lot, you must call 811 or your state's One Call office to mark underground utility lines before you dig.

Make sure to call at least two business days before you need to start excavations or digging. Be prepared to give the type of excavation being performed and the specific location.
Remember, you're responsible for marking your own private lines. Private lines include facilities located after the electric meter such as private electric drops, invisible pet fences, sprinkler systems, yard lights, gas grill lines, etc.

811. Know what's below. Call before you dig.

Minnesota
Gopher State One Call
800-252-1166
www.gopherstateonecall.org

North Dakota
One Call
800-795-0555
www.ndonecall.com

South Dakota
One Call
800-781-7474
www.sdonecall.com