Emergency Services

Vegetation Management - Right Tree in the Right Place

Right Tree in the Right Place SCES encourages our customers not to plant tall growing trees and shrubs under power lines or within the utility rights-of-way. Trees and shrubs grow quicker than we realize and must be addressed when they encroach upon power lines and within rights-of-way. SCES encourages careful pre-planning by homeowners when installing valuable landscape trees and shrubs. Remember to “look up and look out” before planting any tree or shrub. Consider planting ANY tree or shrub to distance in feet away from the power line that is equal to or greater than the expected mature height of the tree. For example: White Oak Expected Mature Height: 60 feet Planting Distance: At least 60 feet away from the power line. When careful consideration is given to planting the Right Tree in the Right Place, conflicts with power lines can be avoided.

Vegetation Management - Trees and Energy Conservation

Trees and Energy Conservation Strategically placed trees in the home landscape not only increase property values but also can assist in reducing home heating and cooling bills. Studies indicate that mature shade trees strategically placed in the home landscape can reduce heating and cooling costs 15 – 35%.

Vegetation Management - Q&A

Q) Who cuts trees for SCES?
A) SCES contracts professional tree companies to perform utility forestry within our rights-of-way. The arborists that perform the work have been properly trained and are qualified to work around high-voltage power lines.

Q) Will SCES ever cut down trees?
A) Occasionally trees near high-voltage lines need to be removed. If a tree is diseased, dying or likely to be severely deformed by necessary trimming, SCES crews will trim and remove the tree according to specification. Trees affecting customer service drop wires are not trimmed or removed by SCES.

Q) Will I be a notified when/if SCES plan on cutting my tree(s)
A) SCES dispatches an automated “courtesy call” to all customers on the circuit to be trimmed approximately one week before work is to commence. The automated system only calls the telephone numbers on file at SCES, so it is imperative that customers notify SCES with any contact information changes.

Q) Can SCES legally trim my trees?
A) According to the Municipal Electric Plant Law of 1935, SCES has the power to purchase, construct, maintain and improve the electric system and to “do all acts and things necessary and convenient” to carry out the power given. Public utilities have the right and responsibility to maintain safe and reliable electric service and rights-of-way. The courts of Tennessee and throughout the United States have upheld public utilities regarding tree trimming and other necessary vegetation management practices within rights-of-way. Additionally, local ordinances and statutes grant SCES (and other public utilities) the legal authority to manage vegetation within rights-of-way. SCES only trims and/or removes that vegetation which is necessary to maintain safe and reliable electricity to all of our customers.

Q) Can I trim and take care of my own trees?
A) Property owners are encouraged to take care of their trees and other landscaping according to SCES specifications. However, when performing any tree work in close proximity to power lines, SCES strongly recommends that property owners hire arborists that are properly trained to work around high-voltage power lines.

Q) What can I do to help?
A) The majority of tree/power line conflicts in residential areas are created because of improperly located trees. Residents can drastically reduce these conflicts by properly locating trees and other vegetation at planting.

Q) Who can I contact for vegetation management questions?
A) Call our Vegetation Management direct line at (865) 774-6274 or email at tree@sces.net.