Tree Trimming and Planting Safety

Understanding vegetation management

We're dedicated to bringing our customers reliable and efficient electrical service. Vegetation management is just one of the ways in which we accomplish this goal.

Tree trimming

Vegetation management is crucial for safe and reliable electrical service. Even if trees look like they have adequate line clearance, it’s important to remember other factors that change every day.

Factors to consider

• Periods of high demand can cause lines to run at maximum capacity. This can stretch them and cause them to sag.
• Weather conditions can lead to snow- or ice-covered lines. Again, causing them to stretch and sag.
• Trees can sway back and forth many feet. Without proper clearance they could contact energized lines.

 If trees on your property are growing into power lines, and it appears that the trees must be trimmed, please contact our Customer Service Center.

Tree planting

Are you considering planting new trees on your property? If your plan includes planting trees near or below one of our power lines, please call 800-257-4044 or 218-739-8877 during business hours. Vegetation planted on our company's right-of way must be pre-approved even if it's part of a Natural Resources Conservation Service or other federal or state agency-sponsored conservation plan.

Call 811 before you dig!

It's the law!

Whether you're a homeowner planting trees or a contractor excavating a lot, you must call 811 or your state's One Call office to mark underground utility lines before you dig.

• Make sure to call at least two business days before you need to start excavations or digging. Be prepared to give the type of excavation being performed and the specific location.
• Remember, you're responsible for marking your own private lines. Private lines include facilities located after the electric meter such as private electric drops, invisible pet fences, sprinkler systems, yard lights, gas grill lines, etc.

Minnesota
Gopher State One Call
800-252-1166
www.gopherstateonecall.org

North Dakota
One Call
800-795-0555
www.ndonecall.com

South Dakota
One Call
800-781-7474
www.sdonecall.com