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Tree Safety

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  1. Outage Center
  2. Safety
  3. Tree Safety

Tree  Safety

Underground Lines

Trees are much more than just what you see overhead. Many times, the root area is larger than the branch spread above ground.

Some of the utility service provided today runs below ground. Tree roots and underground lines often coexist without problems. However, trees planted near underground lines could have their roots damaged if the lines need to be dug up for repairs.

The biggest danger to underground lines occurs during planting. Before you plant, make sure you are aware of the location of any underground utilities. To be certain you do not accidentally dig into any lines and risk serious injury or a costly service interruption, call 811 or (888) 721-7877 at least three days before you dig.

Never assume these utility lines are buried deeper than you plan to dig. In some cases, utility lines are very close to the surface.

Overhead Lines

The same trees that beautify your landscape and provide shade for your home can be responsible for serious danger to your family, and a potential problem with your family’s electrical service. Trees growing too close to electric lines are the primary cause of momentary short circuits and flickering lights. In the case of a storm, the limbs on those trees are likely to knock power lines out completely and create a threat to your safety.

Create a plan before you plant

Overhead utility lines are the easiest to see and probably the ones we take most for granted. Although these lines look harmless enough, they can be extremely dangerous.

Planting tall-growing trees under and near these lines eventually requires Tri-County to prune them to maintain safe clearance from the wires. This pruning may result in the tree having an unnatural appearance. Periodic pruning also can lead to a shortened life span for the tree.

Trees that must be pruned away from power lines are under greater stress and are more susceptible to insects and disease. Small, immature trees planted today can become problem trees in the future. Tall-growing trees near overhead lines can cause service interruptions when trees contact wires. Children or adults climbing in these trees can be severely injured or even killed if they come in contact with the wires.

Proper selection and placement of trees in and around overhead utilities can eliminate potential public safety hazards, reduce expenses for utilities and their members, and improve the appearance of landscapes.

Safer is Smarter

To protect your family, your property and your power service, homeowners should keep trees trimmed away from power lines. If you have questions, contact Tri-County Electric at 803-874-1215 or toll free at 1-877-874-1215

Remember ... call before you dig!

South Carolina 811

  

Tree Planting Guide
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©2025 Tri-County Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved

  • My Cooperative
    • Mission Statement-Purpose & Principles
    • Cooperative Statement of Inclusion
    • Board Members
    • Monthly Board Meeting
    • Coverage Area
    • Capital Credits
    • Affiliations
    • Office Locations
    • Employment
    • Co-op Member Information
      • Bylaws
      • Financial Report
      • Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
      • Rates
    • Economic Development
      • Economic Development
      • Available Sites
      • Economic Development/ Resource Library
    • My Community
      • South Carolina Living
      • Washington Youth Tour/Cooperative Youth Summit
      • Operation Round Up
      • Calhoun Connect
  • My Account
    • Manage My Account
      • Pay My Bill Online
      • View Your Energy Usage
    • Download App
    • Understanding My Bills
    • Payment Options
    • Pay Stations
    • Levelized Billing and Bank Draft
    • Automatic Bank Draft Form
    • Bill Assistance
  • Member Services
    • Home Services
      • Start New Service - Residential
      • Start New Commercial/Industrial Service
      • Disconnect Service
      • Advance Pay
      • TCE Spec Book
      • Report Outdoor Light Outage
      • Maintenance Request
      • Hold Harmless Agreement
    • Programs
      • Co-op Connections
      • Tri-County Generators
      • Surge Guards
      • Green Power
      • Social Security Disability Plan
  • Energy Solutions
    • Save Energy & Money
      • Electric Vehicles(EV) Portal
      • Beat the Peak
      • Energy Efficiency- Residential
      • Help My House
      • Energy Efficiency - Commercial
      • C&I Lighting Application
      • TCEC Kids
      • 101 Easy ways to save energy and money
      • Energy Glossary
      • Appliance Energy Calculator
      • Home Energy Calculator
      • enLIGHTen SC
    • Renewables
      • Solar Calculator
      • Rooftop Solar
      • Community Solar
  • Outage Center
    • Outage Tools
      • Storm Center
      • Report an Outage
      • View Outage Map
      • South Carolina Outage Map
      • Weather Map
    • Safety
      • Call Before You Dig SC811
      • Tree Safety
      • Safety Presentations
      • Safety Checklist
      • Safety Quiz
      • Meter Tampering
  • News & Events
  • TriCoLink