Plant Trees for the Next Generation

If you plan to plant trees on your property this year, think of the life of the tree. Planting a tree incorrectly or in the wrong place can shorten its life, especially if it could grow near power lines.

Always call 811 before you dig, no matter how shallow or deep you go.

Avoid planting trees near underground utilities. Digging near underground power and gas lines is dangerous. Tree roots can cause damage to or be hindered in their growth by underground pipes and conduit.

Look up when choosing a tree’s home for the next 100 years or longer.

Refer to the guide in the article for the distance a tree should be planted away from power lines. You may want to avoid planting them too close to buildings. If a tree grows into a power line, it can cause frequent power outages and may need to be pruned or removed.

To watch a four minute video describing eight steps to properly plant a tree, a list of trees, their grow heights and where you are allowed to plant them is available at www.BentonREA.org/trees.

When you buy a tree, follow the right steps of choosing a location and planting the proper way to ensure your tree lives a healthy life for generations to come.

Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Benton REA as 2023 Tree Line USA Utility

Benton REA was named a 2023 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its dedication to proper urban forest management.

Tree Line USA—a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters— recognizes utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate America’s urban tree canopy.

Tree Line USA promotes delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.

“Trees are essential to creating more urban green spaces in communities across the United States,” says Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water and vital tree shade. Service providers such as Benton REA demonstrate how easily trees and utilities can coexist for the benefit of communities and residents.”

By joining the Tree Line USA program, Benton REA benefits from lowering line clearance costs due to proper pruning.

As a result of properly pruned and maintained trees, co-op members benefit from increased service reliability. Trees with healthy root systems are sturdier and ultimately result in fewer downed lines during storms.

Benton REA earned the Tree Line USA recognition by meeting five program standards: quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education, a tree-based energy conservation program and hosting an Arbor Day celebration.