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Tree Trimming

Tri-County Electric Cooperative Tree Trimming

Trees are an essential part of the environment.  They can protect our homes from elements, give us clean air, and make the landscape more appealing.  However, during storms they can be dangerous to personal property.  They can fall on our homes, cars and power lines.  When a tree or limb falls on the power lines, it disrupts service.  This is why the cooperative does a year-round trimming and removal of trees within the service territory. 

If you have a tree with a limb near the lines or plan on trimming a tree that is in danger of falling on the lines, we ask that you contact us and we will send someone out to take a look at it first.  The cooperative does a majority of our tree trimming during spring, summer, and after storms. 

Before any tree removal or tree trimming near power lines, give us a call at 1-800-244-5151 or send your request online and we will look at it to see if we can assist you or if a private tree service is necessary.  

Submit Your Tree Trimming/Removal Request Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you contact me before trimming? 

We make every effort to contact landowners before we come.  Notice will be posted each year in the Hi-Lites informing members which areas will be trimmed each year.  If yard trees are involved, our Right-of-Way Coordinator or our contractor will make every effort to contact you.  

Why do you need so much clearance?

Your cooperative operates and maintains 3,000 miles of line to serve all 16,000+ members.  Without sufficient clearance, outages and blinks would increase and frequency of trimming would also increase. Your quality of service would suffer and the maintenance cost would rise. 

Do you use chemical treatment as part of your right-of-way maintenance program?

Yes.  If vegetation is small, some areas can be controlled through use of chemicals without first clearing, reducing the overall cost of maintenance.  All products we use are approved for utility right-of-way use and are very safe, and our employees and contractors all have the appropriate Illinois licenses. 

How close to the power lines can I plant trees? 

That varies with variety.  At mature height, there should still be 20' clearance from power lines.  Please plant as far away as possible and never plant under the line. 

Can I plant shrubs next to padmount transformers or metal pedestals?

Keep in mind there are buried lines around these devices.  First call JULIE (8-1-1) to get underground lines marked.  For your safety, please do not dig within 5' of marked lines and plant no closer than 10' from any device.

If I have a yard tree under the line, what options do I have? 

Other than trimming, we offer a Swap-A-Tree program. 

Learn More About Swap-A-Tree

The illustrations below are used as a general rule of thumb to show proper tree clearing around power lines.

updated tree clearing
tree clearing house 1
updated after clearing house 2
updated tree planting

Outage Map

To pay your bill you may visit our office, pay over the phone at (800)244-5151 or click here to pay online using our convenient SmartHub app!

Pay Online

If you have a tree that is close to the line, please notify us so that we can safely trim or remove the hazard tree.

Tree Trim/Removal Request

There are so many convenient ways to sign up for service!  Sign up online, in the office or over the phone by calling (800) 244-5151.  

Apply for Service Online

Contact us if you would like to have a security light installed, repaired or removed.  You can submit your request online or call (800)244-5151.

Security Light Request
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Mt. Vernon Office 
Tri-County Electric Cooperative
3906 W. Broadway
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Salem Office 
1631 E. Main St. 
Salem, IL 62881

Phone: 1-800-244-5151
Fax: 618-244-1496

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©2021 Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Your Touchstone Energy Partner

  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Bylaws
    • How Did Cooperatives Begin?
    • Member Information Guide
    • Your Board of Directors
  • Electric Service
    • Electric Service
    • Apply For Service
    • Budget Billing
    • FAQ's
    • Meter Loop Specifications
    • Pay Your Bill Online
    • Payment Options
    • Solar Energy
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • Security Lights
  • Member Services & Programs
    • Member Services & Programs
      • Co-ops Vote
    • Touchstone Energy Classroom Empowerment Grants
    • $1 Water Heater Program
    • Energy Audits
    • Capital Credits
    • Equipment Financing Program
    • Geothermal Financing Program
    • Swap-A-Tree
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Tour
    • Air Evac
    • Building the Home of Your Dreams
    • Energy Efficiency Resources
    • Co-op Connections
    • Tree Trimming
  • Meter Loops/Security Lights
  • News & Events
  • Contact Us
  • Annual Meeting
  • Safety Sense