AzGT-Transmission-Line

Vegetation Management Matters

There’s something timeless about trees. They ground us, remind us of where we’ve been and stretch toward what’s ahead. Our communities take pride in the natural beauty surrounding us—the shade on a summer afternoon, the colors of the changing seasons, the quiet strength of something that grows slowly but endures
At the same time, we share a responsibility that’s just as essential to our daily lives: to keep the lights on, to power our homes and businesses, and to make sure when you flip a switch, the energy you depend on is there. That’s why our Arizona electric cooperatives work every day to strike a careful balance between preserving beauty and delivering the reliable electricity you expect.
Jorge Canaca, CEO
An important way we do that is through regular tree trimming and brush clearing. It may not always be obvious, but keeping lines clear of vegetation plays a major role in preventing power outages. Strong winds, heavy ice or sudden storms can bring down branches, power lines and poles. Nearly half of power outages can be traced back to trees and vegetation coming into contact with electrical infrastructure.
That’s why you may notice crews from our Arizona electric co-ops or our trusted contractors working in neighborhoods throughout the year. Our crews are highly trained and certified, following the latest industry standards to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Their work might seem routine, but it’s anything but—it’s a proactive step that helps prevent problems before they start.
And it’s not just good practice—it’s required. Electric co-ops and utilities across the country are
obligated to manage vegetation near power lines. Scheduled trimming and cleanup help remove dead
or weakened vegetation and keep fast-growing trees or plants from becoming hazards. It’s about staying one step ahead, especially as we prepare for increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events.
Our co-ops use new tools and technologies to do this work smarter. For example, through drone
inspections, we monitor power lines and surrounding vegetation more efficiently, reducing costs while
improving accuracy. These powerful tools allow us to identify potential risks early and respond quickly.
However, beyond reliability and efficiency, there’s another reason this work matters: safety.
Electricity is powerful. Trees or plants growing too close to power lines make a dangerous combination. Branches that touch lines—or come close—can carry electrical current. Children climbing trees in their own yards may not realize the risk. During storms, fallen trees or other plants—such as saguaros—can create hazardous conditions for families and our lineworkers working to restore service
There’s also a financial reality we can’t ignore. Preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than repairing widespread damage after an outage. Left unchecked, overgrown vegetation can lead to more frequent disruptions and higher costs for everyone. A thoughtful, strategic vegetation management program helps keep those costs down for our members.
You can help. When planting new trees or plants, consider their mature heights and distances from power lines. Trees that grow up to 40 feet should be planted at least 25 feet from overhead lines. Larger trees exceeding 40 feet should be planted at least 50 feet away. If you’re landscaping near pad-mounted transformers, keep shrubs at least 10 feet from the front and 4 feet from the sides to allow safe access. If your neighborhood has underground lines, call 811 before digging to prevent serious accidents.
At the end of the day, we all want safe, resilient and beautiful communities. As your Arizona electric co-ops, we’re proud to be part of that effort.