PRECO's Right-of-Way Maintenance Program
Trees and Power Lines Don't Mix
Our tropical climate allows trees to grow almost year round; a potential source of problems when growing near power lines. When tree branches mesh with power lines, reliability of electric service and safety may be compromised. PRECO has an active, ongoing right-of-way clearing program to maintain nearly 4,000 miles of lines.
Reliability
Simply put, tree trimming helps prevent power outages. By maintaining correct clearance between trees and power lines, PRECO helps to ensure that your power stays on during gusty winds and thunderstorms. - When trees and power lines meet, electric service can be compromised—especially when lightning or high winds are present. In compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), we prune or remove trees that threaten electric service.
- Proper right-of-way clearance allows easier access for personnel and vehicles during storm restoration. In short, it helps us to get the lights back on more quickly following an outage
Safety
- PRECO is committed to the safety of our members, employees, and the community. This is why we discourage members (or untrained contractors) from pruning trees near power lines.
- Our contractor, Davey Tree Expert Co., employs qualified line-clearance personnel to safely prune or remove trees around our poles, lines and equipment. For your safety and the safety of others, contact PRECO before working near or trimming any branches in the vicinity of power lines.
- If you are planning to remove or trim a tree near our power lines or if a tree leans excessively toward our lines, please contact us at 1-800-282-3824.
- Pruning reduces hazards resulting from falling trees and limbs, which may cause wires to break or sag dangerously close to the ground.
- Trees or limbs near power lines pose a danger to unsuspecting children who could come in contact with a live line while climbing a tree.
Tree Trimming Guidelines
PRECO’s tree trimming contractor, Davey Tree Expert Co., is accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Their crews are trained to recognize and properly treat hazardous conditions involving trees and power lines.
Proper pruning directs future growth away from power lines, reduces re-growth and protects the tree from decay while preserving as much beauty as possible. “Tree topping” is avoided because topped trees can quickly regain their original height, and their fast-growing sprouts are susceptible to breakage and storm damage.
- Primary Lines: Trimming requirements vary according to facility type, tree species and line proximity. The goal is
to prune branches and remove trees to provide adequate long-term clearance and service reliability. - Service Lines: We require 3 feet of clearance on either side of the service line (the wires which stretch from your roof to the first pole). PRECO personnel or contractors maintain clearance on a three-year cycle or as needed.
- Single-Phase Lines: PRECO requires a 20’ wide path (10 feet on both sides of line), ground to sky, free from trees and branches. For open-conductor secondary lines, a minimum of 5 feet on either side is required.
- 3-Phase Lines: A 30’ wide path (15 feet on both sides of line), ground to sky, is required for us to provide safe, efficient and reliable electric service.
We trim our system on an approximate three-year cycle. Whenever trimming is scheduled in your area which includes trees on your property, you will be notified in-person or by phone, postcard, or door hanger, before work begins. We also perform “hot-spot” trimming, as required.
Members with questions regarding PRECO’s right-of-way program should call the Member Services Department at 1-800-282-3824.