Tree Removal

Why does MEC remove trees? 

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends consistent tree removal practices for the following reasons. 

• OUTAGE PREVENTION: Trees and brush can cause outages when they come into contact with power lines. 
• SAFETY: Trees near power lines can be hazardous to your family and our crews. 
• OUTAGE RESTORATION: Obstructed lines lead to more difficult and longer outages.

What is MEC’s process? 

• We remove all trees within 15 feet of both sides of our high-voltage power lines. These are the lines hanging on power poles that run from house to house. 
• We do NOT clear trees near your service line. This is the line that connects the transformer (the gray cylinder on the power pole) to the electric meter on your property.

What happens to the leftover wood? 

• Small limbs are chipped and taken off-site. You can have us leave the wood chips for you by placing a request in SmartHub under Contact us > Service Request. Also, please put up a sign near marked trees to notify crews to leave wood chips. 
• Wood over four inches in diameter is left in manageable pieces, which we cannot take due to its potential monetary value.  

Does MEC remove stumps? 

We do not remove stumps.  

Does MEC remove debris during outage emergencies? 

During outage emergencies, we clear trees to restore power and do not remove any debris. 

How long does tree removal take? 

You can expect to see us working in your area for approximately 2-4 weeks.