Trees can be beautiful and beneficial for our well-being. They enhance the curb appeal of your home and provide shade on a hot summer day. However, we understand that cooperative members rely on us to deliver dependable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why CCEC strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all enjoy with the commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable electricity. 

Vegetation Management Methods

Cooperative crews manage unwanted vegetation within right-of-way easements throughout the year using a variety of methods which are periodically evaluated for safety and environmental impact. The cooperative uses an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) approach which includes a combination of mechanical (mowing and sky trimming), manual (hand-cutting), and chemical (herbicides) methods.

CCEC manages its right-of-way by using herbicides that target woody vegetation. This allows native grasses to grow, which supports wildlife habitats and environments for pollinators while ensuring easy access to utility poles within easements for maintenance or repairs.

Trimming & Pruning

Right-of-way crews routinely trim and remove unwanted vegetation surrounding more than 2,500 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines. 

CCEC's tree pruning practices conform to the procedures set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These standards require the use of "directional" and "natural pruning" methods. Natural pruning is the practice of pruning branches back to a natural point of growth in the crown of the tree.

Natural pruning is healthier than tree topping, which is the indiscriminate cutting back of tree branches to reduce tree crown size. Although topping generally leaves the tree with a more balanced appearance, topping stresses trees, makes them more vulnerable to insects and disease, leads to decay, and creates weak branches creating a risk of them falling. Topping may also promote regrowth which increases maintenance costs.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability and affordability. Click here to learn more.