Trees and power lines
Properly planted and maintained trees can improve air quality and beautify our
community. However, trees placed too close to power lines create fire and safety
hazards and cause power outages.
As an Arizona public utility, SRP has an obligation to provide safe and reliable electric
service. The state grants us permission and authority to maintain our electric system,
which includes clearing trees and other vegetation that may encroach upon our
overhead power lines and equipment, and pose a risk to public safety and service
reliability.
SRP periodically prunes or removes trees that are near power lines. We hire trained,
professional tree pruners who are qualified to work safely near energized power lines.
There are two reasons SRP prunes trees:
1. To prevent unsafe conditions: SRP is committed to protecting the safety of the public, customers and employees.
Trees conduct electricity and create potential safety hazards when branches grow
too close to power lines. For example, an unsuspecting child could climb an overgrown
tree, come in contact with a live power line and risk electrocution.
We also want to protect our line crews, who are often exposed to dangerous situations
when called to repair tree-related damage. To prevent unsafe conditions, SRP periodically
prunes trees to maintain proper clearance for overhead power lines.
2. To maintain reliable service: Our primary job at SRP is to provide reliable electric service to homes and businesses throughout our service territory. When tree branches come in contact with power lines, they can
cause power outages or fires. That happens most often in windy and stormy weather,
especially in the summer months during monsoon season. Since its inception, our
tree-pruning program has drastically reduced the number and duration of outages
caused by trees.
SRP will prune or remove trees that are growing into or too close to an overhead power
line if they are between two power poles. Please note that SRP will not clear vegetation
around power lines that run from power poles to homes, businesses or street lights.
Currently, SRP crews prune more than 50,000 trees every year. SRP uses a technique
called "directional pruning" to train trees to grow away from overhead lines. This technique,
recommended by the National Arborist Association, is healthier for trees than "topping" or
"rounding" tree growth, limits the need for additional future pruning, and keeps branches a
safe distance from power lines.
The amount of pruning varies according to a number of factors, including tree growth rates,
location, previous pruning practices and watering method (e.g., irrigation).
Although directional pruning may not improve tree appearance, we believe it is a reasonable
and responsible approach to keeping people and property safe and electric service reliable.
In addition to directional pruning, SRP currently offers near-to-the-ground removal
free-of-charge in situations where tree growth is too rapid for periodic pruning. However
stump grinding and removal is a property owner responsibility.
In addition to safety and reliability, SRP is committed to looking after the environment of
our region. We recycle most of the tree materials we prune or remove. Clippings are
chipped and used for mulch.
This recycling effort significantly decreases the amount of waste placed into area landfills
and SRP's disposal costs. We also conduct our line-clearing activities in a way that protects
wildlife, including endangered species such as the spotted owl.
Never attempt to prune trees near power lines yourself!
Arizona law places restrictions on tree prunings
within 10 feet of a power line. To find professionals who can do this work, look
in the Yellow Pages under "Tree Service."
If you see a tree growing into power lines that are between two power poles
and want to have it evaluated for pruning or removal, call (602) 236-0777.