Managing vegetation near power lines to prevent outages

Managing vegetation near power lines to prevent outages

SECO knows that trees are important to you, your neighborhood and the environment. We also understand the need for uninterrupted power. When trees grow into or too close to power lines, they can create a safety hazard and cause power interruptions. In order to provide safe and reliable electric service, SECO uses a comprehensive program to trim trees and keep them from interfering with our electrical lines and equipment. This requires balancing our responsibility to both our members and the environment while doing all we can to preserve the aesthetics and wildlife habitats of our service area. The plan includes various combinations of tree pruning, tree removals, brush cutting and herbicide application. Our program is based on industry-wide best practices and supported by years of research by leading vegetation experts and arboricultural organizations.

2009 Arbor Day Foundation honors
Sumterville, FL For the second year in a row, the national Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO) as earning the Tree Line USA designation from the foundation. In order to receive the Tree Line USA designation utilities must meet three requirements: they must have a proven program of quality tree care, they must conduct annual training of employees in quality tree care practices, and they must have a tree planting and public education program. The Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree Line USA program in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters.

2008 Arbor Day Foundation Honors
Sumterville, FL – The national Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO) as earning the Tree Line USA designation from the foundation. In order to receive the Tree Line USA designation utilities must meet three requirements: they must have a proven program of quality tree care, they must conduct annual training of employees in quality tree care practices, and they must have a tree planting and public education program.

Why, how and when SECO Energy Trims Trees	Safe planting and working distances around power lines
Tree Placement & Planting Guidelines	Q & A about Tree Trimming & Vegetation Management
Our Partners	Memberships & Awards
Helpful resources and links:
University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department	USDA Hardiness Zones Map - Information about vegetation in the state of Florida.
National Arbor Day Foundation - Web site with information that includes how to plant the right tree in the right place.	TreeLink.org
Florida Urban Forestry Council - Promoting sound urban forestry policies and practices by educating citizens and communities throughout Florida.

Page last updated: Friday, March 5, 2010

SECO™ • 330 South Highway 301, Sumterville, Florida 33585-0301 • Citrus (352) 726-3944 • Hernando (352) 521-5788 • Pasco (352) 521-5788
Lake (352) 357-5600; (352) 429-2195 • Marion (352) 237-4107; (352) 489-4390 • Levy (352) 528-3644 • Sumter (352) 793-3801
To report outages only •1-800-732-6141 | Terms | Contacts | Webmaster | Site Map
© 1996-2010 Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. -- dba SECO Energy. All rights reserved. Do not use text or graphics without written permission.