Tree Trimming and Planting

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 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. Customers are responsible for disposing of branches resulting from tree trimming following a storm or at the customer's request to trim at their property.

Tree planting

Are you considering planting new trees on your property? If your plan includes planting trees near or below one of our power lines, please call 800-257-4044 or 218-739-8877 during business hours. Vegetation planted on 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.