Right of Way

For CREC to deliver safe and reliable power, our Right of Way Department trims trees and maintains vegetation around our equipment and rights of way. Our goal is to cut and trim only the trees necessary to maintain reliable service for all our members and to use methods that preserve the health of the trees.

CREC is a "Tree Line USA Utility" as named by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA is a national program that recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America's urban trees. As a partnership between the Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, Tree Line USA promotes delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.

Right tree, right place

Every tree species has a different height, width, and spacing needs. When you plant a tree, choose the right tree for the right place and purpose. Carefully match your tree choice with site conditions and desired functions. Consider its proximity to other trees, buildings, and utilities (above and below ground), shade, screen, wildlife cover, etc.

A graphic showing proper tree planting near power lines.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) suggests there are no "perfect" or "universal" trees. Problems can result from improper tree location or unwise tree species selection for the site. A tree desirable for one location could be unsuitable for another.

The Arbor Day Foundation and MDC can recommend tree species to fit your needs. Trees are a long-term investment. Finding the correct tree for any given spot will help avoid electric hazards and future problems.

The tree planting guide can help you determine appropriate tree sizes and placement for electric safety and reliability, plant viability, and long-term environmental benefits. Plan ahead and "plant the right tree in the right place."

Our Right of Way Standards

Click each section below to learn about how we approach right-of-way.

Right-of-way tree removal is a critical component of safety and reliability. During extreme weather events, trees may fall on power lines, causing outages and very hazardous conditions. Tree limbs close to power lines can even be hazardous on days with modest winds. When branches touch power lines, the tree can carry potentially fatal electric current to people and animals that contact the tree.

To maintain electric safety and reliability, permission to prune is not required. However, during routine maintenance, a courtesy postcard will be mailed to your home, or a CREC representative will leave a door card. Large trees growing near or under power lines should be removed. Trees and bushes which restrict access to utility poles should also be removed. Unless we encounter a dangerous or emergency situation, a representative will notify you when possible before removing a yard tree or previously trimmed tree.

Planting tips and safety

Never trim trees near power lines. Trimming trees near electrical equipment is dangerous - it's never a do-it-yourself job. Electricity can jump from the lines to your body, your tools, or nearby branches, causing injury or even death.

If you see trees growing near our lines and facilities, please call our offices at 800-392-3709, x4398, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Avoid the Big Green Box. Stay away from pad-mounted transformers (the big green box). While safe, they are not meant for touching, climbing, or playing. Pad-mounted transformers carry high voltages of electricity that service many homes in our communities.

FAQs

Electric cooperatives are required to always maintain the appropriate clearance between trees and electric lines. In the summer, power lines sag as they expand, due to air temperature and heavy use. Clearances around the lines must account for this, as well as wind, which causes the lines to sway. Also, CREC usually prunes or removes vegetation to a distance greater than the minimum clearances to account for future growth and other factors.

Trimming or removing trees that are near or close to power lines is extremely hazardous,and is NEVER a do-it-yourself project. Even working within 10 feet can be dangerous, as electricity can arc from power line to tree, even when the branch or limb may not appear to be touching the line. If you see a tree(s) growing near power lines, please call us at 800-392-3709.

2025/26 Annual Report is now live.:

Right of Way & Vegetation Management

Right tree, right place

Our Right of Way Standards

Planting tips and safety

FAQs

2025/26 Annual Report is now live.:

Clearance Standards

Tree Removal

Member Notification

What are right-of-ways anyway?

Who makes the decision about cutting down a tree near a power line?

The power lines near my house don't seem to be anywhere near the trees. Why does CREC trim or remove them?

Can't I just trim or remove the trees near power lines myself?