At PenLight, we know that trees contribute immensely to the natural beauty and charm of our community. Their shade cools our homes, their presence enhances our neighborhoods, and their canopy supports wildlife. However, when trees grow too close to power lines, they can pose serious hazards, including power outages, equipment damage, and safety risks for linemen and the public.
That’s why PenLight has developed a robust, responsible Vegetation Management Program—designed not only to preserve the health and beauty of our environment, but also to ensure the reliability of your electric service.
A Proactive Approach to Tree Trimming
PenLight partners with Asplundh, a nationally recognized tree service provider, to manage vegetation around our power lines. Our entire service territory is groomed on a 3-year cycle, which is significantly more proactive than the industry standard 5-year cycle followed by some other utilities. This means fewer outages, safer line work, and less intrusive trimming over time. 453600
Our crews use best practices to carefully trim trees and maintain the integrity of natural landscapes, balancing aesthetics with safety and system reliability.
Educating Our Members: The Right Tree in the Right Place
Our Vegetation Management department also focuses on community education. Choosing the right trees and shrubs—and planting them in the right places—can make a big difference. It prevents interference with overhead lines and avoids future maintenance, but also protects sidewalks, streets, and nearby infrastructure.
When landscaping near power corridors or equipment like padmount transformers (the green utility boxes you see in neighborhoods), please keep in mind the following guidelines to maintain safety and reliability:
- Don’t plant trees near padmount transformers. Roots can lift concrete pads and cause outages. 16258
- Avoid vines or ivy that can grow onto and damage the transformer.
- Never pile dirt, wood chips, or mulch against any part of the transformer. This can cause overheating.
- Maintain clearances. Keep shrubs, fences, and other permanent structures at least 12 feet from the front and 6 feet from the back and sides of the transformer.
- Use slow-growing, easy-to-maintain plants. Avoid thorny species like barberry, blackberry, hawthorn, or roses.
- Do not overplant. A few well-chosen plants can go a long way.
- Keep identification numbers and locks visible. Our crews rely on these during maintenance and outages.
- Don’t change the grade level (elevation) within 6 feet of the padmount transformer.
Always Call Before You Dig
Before planting or digging, remember to call 811 at least 48 hours in advance. This free service will locate and mark any underground utilities to help you avoid costly and dangerous accidents.
Resources for Smart Planting
Not sure what to plant? The Arbor Day Foundation is an excellent resource for selecting power-friendly vegetation. For detailed information, check out our Recommended Species Selection Guide, designed to help you make smart, sustainable planting decisions that are compatible with utility equipment.
At PenLight, we’re proud to serve you with safe, reliable power while maintaining the beauty of our community. With your help, we can continue to keep trees and power lines in harmony for everyone’s benefit.
Thank you for growing “smart” with PenLight.