The National Arbor Day Foundation provides an illustration and information in regards to planting trees near and around overhead and underground electric utilities. OEC also offers these useful tips when considering tree and shrub plantings or pruning near our facilities.
All pruning will be defined as directional pruning. Directional pruning is defined as the pruning of unwanted branches back to lateral branches or parent stems that are GROWING AWAY FROM THE FACILITY. These lateral branches should be of sufficient size to become dominant, thus discouraging the growth of sprouts.
All trees that are creating strain or abrasion on the underground transformer pad will be removed without member, homeowner, or property owner permission. The pruning for a underground transformer pad will be 10’ clearance around and above the underground transformer pad.
Voluntary growth trees will be defined as trees that are native and have grown naturally and not been planted by the property owner as part of their landscape, (ie. Common Hackberry, Siberian Elm, Eastern Redcedar, Blackjack Oak, etc.). All herbicide is handled and applied from an Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry certified Service Technician or Applicator.
Brush will be defined as any voluntary growth tree, up to 6” diameter, under the OEC primary wires. All brush that is under a primary line, will be removed and treated.