By Bret Timmerman
Staking, Line Inspector and Right of Way Manager
There's something timeless about trees—the shade on a summer afternoon, the colors that mark the changing seasons, the quiet strength of something that grows slowly but endures.
We take pride in the natural beauty in our community. We also have a responsibility to power our homes and businesses. When you flip a switch, we have to make sure the energy you depend on is there. Little River Electric Cooperative works every day to strike a careful balance between preserving the beauty we cherish and delivering the reliable electricity you expect.
One of the most important ways we do that is through regular tree trimming. Keeping lines clear of overgrown vegetation plays a major role in preventing power outages. Strong winds, heavy ice or sudden storms can bring down branches and, with them, 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 might notice crews from Little River or our trusted contractors working to clear vegetation along power lines throughout the year. Although the work is routine, it’s also critically important because it helps prevent problems before they start.
It’s not just good practice, it’s necessary for the delivery of safe, reliable power. Electric utilities across the country administer scheduled trimming to remove dead or weakened limbs and keep fast-growing trees from becoming hazards. By managing vegetation near power lines, we’re staying one step ahead and preparing for severe weather events.
Beyond reliability and efficiency, there’s an even more important reason this work matters: safety. When trees grow too close to power lines, electricity can become dangerous. Branches that touch lines—or even come close—can carry electrical current. During storms, fallen trees can create hazardous conditions not only for families but also for our lineworkers working to restore service.
There’s also a financial reality. Preventive maintenance like tree trimming is far more cost-effective than repairing widespread damage after an outage. Overgrown vegetation leads to more frequent disruptions and higher costs for everyone. A strategic vegetation management program keeps those costs down.
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 30 feet away from overhead lines. Larger trees should be planted at least 50 feet away. If you’re landscaping near pad-mounted transformers (the big green ones at ground level), keep shrubs at least 12 feet from the front and 4 feet from the sides to allow safe access.
If your neighborhood has underground lines, don’t forget to call 811 before digging. It’s a simple step that can prevent serious accidents.
We all want the same thing: a community that’s safe, resilient and beautiful. At Little River Electric Cooperative, we’re proud to be part of that effort because roots run deep here, just like th
