Tree Trimming/Power Lines
Trimming Trees Near Power Line
Tree trimming is a vital part to ensuring the reliability of Vectren's electric system. Vectren has permission to trim trees in the communities it serves through franchise and easement agreements. However, Vectren and its trimming contractors always make it a point to give proper notification to property owners about our tree trimming activities before the process begins.
Request Tree Trimming
To report trees growing into power lines, you can contact us online. If you feel the condition is urgent, call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376.
Regulatory Oversight
Vectren performs tree trimming in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and its administrative rule on the subject.
Right-of-Way and Easements
Right-of-way (ROW) is a strip of land where some of the property owner's legal rights have been granted to a utility company. A right-of-way agreement between a company and a property owner is also called an easement and is usually filed in public records with property deeds. The right-of-way enables a utility company to operate, inspect, repair, maintain or replace power lines, transformers or other equipment on property owned by others.
Rights-of-way must always be kept free of structures and other physical obstructions, including trees. Anything that is placed into a right-of-way contrary to the terms of the easement is called an encroachment. Vectren allows the property owner to use the easement area within certain guidelines which generally allow the property owner to continue with any agricultural, recreational or other activities that pose no problem or threat to the long-term integrity of the electric system. Click here for a list of encroachment activities that are not acceptable.
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Tree Trimming Guidelines
Vectren uses pruning practices that are recommended by the National Arbor Day Foundation. These practices avoid topping, tipping, removing branch collars and leaving long stubs. Proper tree care ultimately increases reliability of service by maintaining healthy trees with less decay and structural weakness, resulting in fewer downed power lines during storms.
Since 2009, Vectren has annually received the Tree Line USA Utility designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to public education about the importance of trees and quality tree care. Vectren is recognized for its tree-friendly efforts, including:
- training tree trimming crews about proper tree pruning practices;
- educating the public about appropriate tree species for planting near utility lines;
- educating customers about energy efficient landscapes to reduce home cooling and heating;
- sharing proper tree-pruning practices with customers; and
- sponsoring community tree planting programs and/or participating in Arbor Day events.
Right Tree, Right Place
Avoid future problems with nearby power lines by making sure you plant the
right tree in the right place.
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