Frequently Asked Questions
At Decatur County REMC, our top priority is delivering safe, reliable electric service to every member, every day. Trees growing too close to power lines are one of the leading causes of outages and safety hazards.
WHY IS DECATUR COUNTY REMC TRIMMING OR REMOVING TREES?
Trees near power lines can cause outages and safety risks. Our program helps prevent problems before they start—improving service and strengthening the system for everyone.
WHY IS DECATUR COUNTY REMC CUTTING TREES TO THE GROUND INSTEAD OF JUST TRIMMING THE TOPS LIKE BEFORE?
Cutting trees to the ground helps us restore power faster and safer after storms. When lines fall into treetops, our crews have to untangle and reroute them before making repairs slowing everything down.
Removing trees completely clears the path, making it quicker and safer to reconnect lines. We track outage data closely, and the results are clear: fewer flickers, stronger reliability, and faster restoration times. It's all part of building a tougher, more resilient system.
WILL I BE NOTIFIED BEFORE CREWS CUT TREES ON MY PROPERTY?
Yes. You’ll get a letter and a pamphlet in the mail explaining the program before anything happens.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT MY TREES CUT?
If you have concerns about a marked tree, call our Operations Department - we’ll hear you out and document your concerns.
Then, we’ll send a representative to meet with you on-site. If there’s a practical alternative, like moving a line to a more accessible spot, we’ll take it to the leadership team for review. If it makes financial sense, we’ll make it happen.
If not, we’ll explain why removal is necessary. Our policy is built to be fair, consistent, and transparent.
THE MEMBERS SHALL DO THE FOLLOWING:
Allow DCREMC employees or its representative access to the overhead power lines for vegetation control.
Allow for vegetation control to meet NESC requirements and right-of-way widths specified in the easements.
THE COOPERATIVE SHALL DO THE FOLLOWING:
Identify sections of primary lines needing vegetation control which are not in compliance.
Budget funding for identified work.
Contact Property Owners of line sections to be cleared.
Perform the work identified for scheduled vegetation control.
Follow accepted clearing and brushing methods identified in the current ANSI Standards.
Provide traffic control, as needed.
Trim vegetation or cut brush within the right-ofway.
Dispose of the cuttings by spreading the material, chipping the cuttings, or stacking it for burning later.
For large areas, consider the use of EPA approved herbicides for the control of the brush.
Inform the property owners of its use.
Meet all Indiana State Chemist licensing and testing requirements.
Follow the label directions by the Product manufacturer.
Our goal is simple: fewer outages, faster service, and a stronger system consistently, across the board.
Why We Trim
Trees near power lines can disrupt electric service during adverse weather conditions. To ensure reliability and comply with the National Electric Safety Code, we take action to prune or remove threatening trees.
Pruning is a key preventive measure against power outages, as trees are a leading cause of interruptions. Regular pruning, maintaining a minimum clearance of 15 feet between trees and power lines, is essential for uninterrupted service during gusty winds and thunderstorms.
Proper utility pruning reduces hazards caused by falling trees or limbs, which can damage wires and pose risks to motorists and pedestrians. Overgrown trees near power lines can endanger children who may accidentally touch live wires while climbing.
Directional pruning guides trees away from power lines by removing only interfering branches, preserving the tree’s natural crown. This approach ensures that unnecessary costs aren’t incurred due to damage or power losses in the right-of-way.
