Understanding why vegetation management is essential.

We take pride in the natural beauty that trees provide us with —whether it’s the shade on a warm summer day, the vibrant colors that signal the changing seasons, or the resilience of something that grows slowly but endures.

At the same time, Inland Power carries an essential responsibility. This duty involves

keeping the lights on, supplying energy to our homes and businesses, and ensuring that

when you flip a switch, the power you depend on is instantly accessible. One of the key strategies we conduct to maintain reliability is routine tree trimming. While it may not be immediately apparent, maintaining lines, free from overgrown vegetation, significantly helps in preventing power outages. We’ve all witnessed the impact of severe weather—strong winds,

heavy ice, or unexpected storms. These conditions can cause branches to fall, taking

down power lines and poles along with them. In fact, some of Inland’s worst performing

area are unreliable due to trees.

That’s why you may notice crews from Inland Power, or our trusted contractors, working in

your service areas throughout the year. Our crews are highly trained and follow the latest

industry standards to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Their work might seem

routine; however, it’s a proactive step that helps prevent problems before they start.

Vegetation management is not only a best practice; it’s a necessity. Electric utilities

nationwide are highly encouraged or even mandated to manage vegetation around

power lines. Regular trimming helps eliminate dead or weakened branches and prevents

fast-growing trees from becoming potential dangers. This proactive approach is crucial,

particularly as we brace ourselves for the rising frequency and severity of extreme

weather events.

We’re also using innovative tools and technologies to work more proficiently. For

instance, by utilizing drone inspections, we can monitor power lines and the surrounding

vegetation with greater efficiency, leading to cost reductions and enhanced accuracy.

These compact yet impactful tools enable us to detect potential risks early and respond

quickly.

There’s another reason this work matters - safety. Electricity is a powerful force, and

when trees grow too close to power lines, that power can become dangerous. Branches that

touch lines or even come close can carry electrical current. Children climbing trees in their own yards may not realize the risk. And 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 aspect to routine tree trimming. Preventative maintenance proves to be more economical than dealing with extensive damage following an outage. If not managed, overgrown vegetation can result in increased disruptions, longer outage times and higher costs for everyone involved. Implementing a well-planned and strategic vegetation management program effectively helps minimize these expenses for our members.

Remember, you play a role as well. When planting new trees, take into account their mature height and proximity to nearby power lines. Trees that will reach heights of up to 40 feet should be positioned at least 25 feet away from overhead lines. For larger trees, those exceeding 40 feet, a minimum distance of 50 feet is recommended.

Additionally, if you’re landscaping near padmounted transformers for underground lines,

ensure that shrubs are planted at least 10 feet from the front and 4 feet from the sides

to facilitate safe access. If your home or business has underground utility lines, make sure to call 811 before you start digging. This simple action can prevent serious accidents.

In the end, we all strive for the same objective: to foster a community that is safe, resilient, and beautiful. At Inland Power, we take great pride in playing a part in this mission.