There’s something special about trees. They provide shade on a hot Texas day, add beauty to our community and remind us that things often take time to grow.
At MidSouth Electric Cooperative, we appreciate the important role trees play. We have an equally important responsibility—to provide the safe, reliable energy our members depend on when flipping a switch.
Protecting both takes planning, which is why vegetation management is a year-round priority. One of the most important ways we do that is through regular tree trimming. While it may not always be noticeable, keeping lines clear of overgrown vegetation plays a major role in preventing power outages.
We’ve all seen what can happen when strong storms roll in—high winds and other severe weather can break branches or trees, causing them to fall on power lines and poles. In fact, nearly half of all power outages can be traced back to trees and vegetation coming into contact with electrical infrastructure.
That’s why you may notice MidSouth EC personnel 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 a proactive step that helps prevent problems before they start.
Routine vegetation management isn’t just good practice; it’s required for electric utilities across the country. Scheduled trimming keeps trees from becoming hazardous, ups service reliability and keeps our system better prepared for severe weather.
But beyond reliability, there’s another reason this work matters: safety.
Branches that contact power lines—or even come close—can become energized, creating hazards for people nearby. Children climbing trees, homeowners working in their yards or anyone around damaged trees after a storm may not realize the risk. Keeping vegetation a safe distance from power lines helps protect our members and allows lineworkers to restore service as safely and efficiently as possible.
There’s also a financial reality we can’t ignore. Preventative maintenance is 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, too. When planting new trees, consider their mature height and distance from nearby power lines. Trees that grow up to 40 feet should be planted at least 25 feet away from overhead lines. Trees that exceed 40 feet should be planted at least 50 feet away.
If you’re landscaping near padmounted transformers—green boxes often in or near yards—keep plants at least 8 feet from the front and 2 feet from the sides and rear to maintain safe accessibility for crews. MidSouth EC maintains an easement around these transformers for maintenance access and to respond quickly during outages.
At the end of the day, we all want a community that’s safe, resilient and beautiful. At MidSouth EC, we’re proud to be part of that effort. Our roots run deep here, just like the trees we work to care for.
