Vegetation Management
Healthy trees and reliable power can grow together
Trees add beauty, shade, and value to our communities. They can also create safety concerns and interrupt power when they grow too close to electric lines and equipment. MTE's certified arborists work with trained crews to guide tree growth away from the electric system, reduce tree-related outages, and keep access clear for maintenance and power restoration. Use the resources below to plan before you plant, understand MTE's tree work, and get help with questions about your property.
Your trees and your electric service
Trees that grow too close to power lines can interrupt service and create safety concerns. MTE prunes trees on a planned cycle to guide growth away from the lines, reduce tree-related outages, and help crews reach equipment safely.
MTE's certified arborists coordinate this work with trained contractors. Crews follow accepted tree-care practices and protect tree health whenever possible.
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A little planning can help a tree grow well without creating future problems near power lines or electrical equipment. Before planting, check the location and the tree's mature height and spread to ensure there is enough space for crews to work safely.
Right Tree Right Place and the Approved Tree List can help you choose a tree that fits your property. If you are unsure, contact the Vegetation Management team before planting.
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Lineworkers need room to reach electrical equipment during routine maintenance and outages. A right-of-way is the area MTE keeps clear around power lines so trained crews can work safely.
Underground transformers also need open space. The No Grow Zone is the area around a transformer that must remain clear of landscaping. Do not plant within 12 feet of the front or within 3 feet of the other sides.
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Why we prune and what it means for you
MTE prunes trees year-round as part of planned maintenance. After a major storm, additional contractors may help clear trees and limbs that fell from outside the right-of-way, so crews can safely repair the electric system.
Crews guide branches away from power lines instead of shaping every tree evenly. They use accepted pruning methods that support safe clearance and protect tree health whenever possible. MTE does not top trees.
Tree work near power lines is not a do-it-yourself project. Only MTE contractors with the required OSHA clearance may prune within MTE right-of-way clearance. Contact the MTE Vegetation Management team when a tree or branch is near a power line.
MTE prunes within a 5-foot radius around service lines during the regular pruning cycle. A service line is the line that carries electricity from MTE's system to a home or building.
Trees growing into or near power lines can cause power interruptions and safety concerns. Planned pruning keeps branches away from lines and helps crews reach equipment safely during maintenance and power restoration. It reduces tree-related outages but cannot prevent every outage caused by severe weather or trees falling from outside the right-of-way.
Helpful resources
Contact MTE’s Vegetation Management Team
MTE’s Vegetation Management team helps keep power reliable by managing trees and plants near our electric system. As a Treeline USA-accredited electric utility, our trained arborists work to reduce tree-related outages while supporting healthier environments along our rights-of-way.
They're here to serve MTE members with information and explanations about our vegetation management program.
Email: VegetationMgmt@mte.com
Phone: 877-414-7685
Online: mte.com/VegetationManagement
