Tree Care 
When you see trees growing near our lines and facilities, request tree-care service online or call us at 1-888-554-4732 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and we will send a crew to trim the vegetation. To improve electrical system reliability in our service area and prevent fires due to overgrown trees, Pedernales Electric has developed an active tree-care program.
We know that members enjoy the shade and beauty of their trees, but branches too close to overhead lines can create hazardous conditions and cause power interruptions, especially during severe weather. Tree sap is also an excellent conductor of electricity, making even the slightest contact between trees and utility lines a fire hazard.
Working around high-voltage electric lines is dangerous and can have deadly consequences. As a result, trimming trees near electric lines is never a do-it-yourself job. At PEC, we use only qualified tree-care specialists to remove overgrown vegetation safely. Bucket trucks allow crews to reach deep into the tree canopy, so hydraulic trimming saws can safely cut branches away from electric lines. Crews also take precautions to guard against property damage and unnecessary tree loss. To prevent oak wilt, saws are routinely cleaned with a strong disinfectant, and wounds are treated with pruning paint.
To minimize the need for tree trimming or removal, PEC recommends avoiding areas near electric lines when planting. Mature tree branches for trees up 25 feet tall should be at least 10 feet away from electric lines. Larger trees should be planted even further away — use PEC’s landscaping tips to make sure you’re planting the right tree in the proper location. We also offer a free presentation for civic organizations called “Utility-Friendly Landscaping.” To schedule a program, contact our Speakers Bureau.