By Lindsay Forepaugh
There’s something timeless about trees.
They ground us, remind us of where we’ve been, and stretch toward what’s ahead. In our community, we take pride in the natural beauty that surrounds us—shade on a summer afternoon, colors that mark the changing seasons, and the quiet strength of something that grows slowly but endures.
At the same time, we share another responsibility—1 that’s just as essential to our daily lives. The responsibility is to keep the lights on, to power our homes and businesses, and to make sure that when you flip a switch, the energy you depend on is there.
That’s why Wasco Electric Cooperative works every day to strike a careful balance between preserving the beauty we cherish and delivering the reliable electricity you expect.
1 of the most important ways we do that is through regular tree trimming.
Now, it may not always be obvious, but keeping lines clear of overgrown vegetation plays a major role in preventing power outages. We’ve all seen what can happen when severe weather rolls in. Strong winds, heavy ice, or sudden storms can bring down branches, power lines, and poles. Nearly half of all power outages can be traced back to trees and vegetation coming into contact with electrical infrastructure.
That’s why you may notice crews from Wasco Electric or our trusted contractor, Trees LLC, working in neighborhoods throughout the year. Our crews are highly trained and certified, following the latest industry standards to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Their work might seem routine, but it’s not. It’s a proactive step that helps prevent problems before they start.
And it’s not just good practice— it’s required. Electric utilities across the country are obligated to manage vegetation near power lines. Scheduled trimming helps remove dead or weakened limbs and keeps fast-growing trees from becoming hazards. It’s about staying 1 step ahead, especially as we prepare for the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather.
We’re also using new tools and technologies to do this work more smartly. Through drone inspections, for example, we can monitor power lines and surrounding vegetation more efficiently, reducing costs while improving accuracy. These small but powerful tools allow us to identify potential risks early and respond quickly.
Beyond reliability and efficiency, there’s another reason this work matters: safety.
Electricity is a powerful force, and when trees grow too close to power lines, that power can become dangerous. Branches that touch lines—or even come close—can carry electrical current. Children climbing trees in their own yards may not realize the risk. During storms, fallen trees can create hazardous conditions for families and our lineworkers working to restore service.
There’s also a financial reality we can’t ignore. Preventative maintenance—such as tree trimming—is far more cost-effective than repairing widespread damage after an outage. Left unchecked, overgrown vegetation can lead to more frequent disruptions and higher costs for everyone. A thoughtful, strategic vegetation management program helps keep those costs down for our members.
You can help, too. When planting new trees, consider their mature height and distance from nearby power lines. Trees that grow up to 40 feet should be planted at least 25 feet away from overhead lines. Larger trees—those that exceed 40 feet—should be planted at least 50 feet away. If you’re landscaping near pad-mounted transformers, keep shrubs at least 10 feet from the front and 4 feet from the sides to allow safe access.
If your neighborhood has underground lines, don’t forget to call 811 before digging. It’s a simple step that can prevent serious accidents.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a community that’s safe, resilient, and beautiful. At Wasco Electric Cooperative, we’re proud to be part of that effort. Our roots run deep here, just like the trees we work to care for.