Tree Trimming and Planting

Vegetation maintenance required

The National Electric Safety Code, which sets guidelines for the safeguarding of utility workers and the general public in relation to electrical equipment, requires the maintenance of proper tree clearance in the utility easement.

Section V - general rules and conditions of service

By receiving the electric service from Connexus Energy, the member is deemed to consent to Connexus Energy’s entrance on the member’s property to trim, cut or remove trees and other vegetation, including the application of approved herbicides, as Connexus determines to be necessary for its line maintenance program.

Connexus is obligated and committed to providing safe and reliable power to our members, employees and the general public by adhering to the maintenance guidelines.

Systematic line maintenance

Connexus conducts a systematic vegetation maintenance program to provide reliable electrical service along with safe operating conditions. In order to achieve both, routine vegetation activities are completed on a regular maintenance cycle of approximately every five to eight years.

2025 scheduled routine maintenance tree trimming cycle

• Andover

• Big Lake

• Blaine/Coon Rapids

• Columbus

• Coon Lake

• Dayton (northern portion)

• Lindwood Lake

• Martin Lake

• Nowthen

• St Francis Crown/Spencer Brook

Vegetation map index: all circuits

Connexus will trim, cut or remove the tree that, in its judgment, may cause an interruption in service, endanger Connexus electric lines, present a safety hazard. Connexus may also utilize approved herbicides in its line maintenance program. Connexus will make a reasonable effort to inform members of its line maintenance program prior to starting the work.

Where possible, offending trees shall be removed entirely. Tree trimming must provide at least 10 feet of clearance from Connexus’ conductors, provided, however, that Connexus reserves the right to trim, cut, or remove trees farther than 10 feet from Connexus Energy’s conductors, if Connexus determines that this additional clearance is necessary to accomplish the purposes of its line maintenance program. Any tree trimming, cutting or removal shall conform to any recorded easements.

What to Expect

1. Automated phone message
If your property falls within the systematic routine vegetation maintenance schedule, you will receive an automated phone message from Connexus with the name and phone number for the certified tree inspector that will be working in your neighborhood.

2. Door hanger with instructions
After your trees have been evaluated by the contracted tree inspector, you will receive a notice on your door with details of the work to be done if trimming is required. To avoid delays, please thoroughly review the door hanger and respond to your tree inspector in a timely manner according to the instructions.

3. Disposal of brush
Connexus will dispose of the brush generated from the scheduled maintenance trimming and leave on site wood greater than four inches in diameter cut into manageable lengths. Any dead or diseased tree debris is the property owner’s responsibility to discard of, in accordance with state or local guidelines.

Where to plant

The right tree planted in the right location provides environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits for the property owner and the community. To maintain the beauty of your landscaping, public safety and reliability of electric service, it’s important to ensure that any tree planting does not interfere with any overhead or underground utility lines.

A minimum 15-foot clear zone is required on both sides of the utility pole. Tree height and width at maturity must be considered before digging the planting hole to ensure the tree will not grow into the power line route (clear zone).

Call Before You Dig state and federal laws require marking of all underground utilities before any excavation. Regardless of where you are planting, call Gopher State One Call to request a locate several days before digging. Call 811 or 1.800.252.1166. Facility marks are valid for 14 calendar days.

The right tree

The Right Tree: A Guide to Proper Tree Selection and Planting Near Power Lines is an informative booklet covering tree size, location, species and care. It includes expert information from the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Download a copy of The Right Tree.

Certain species of trees, both deciduous and coniferous, are better for planting near power lines, some of which can be found in both shrub and tree form. Nursery professionals can help determine the best options, which may include:

• American Smoketree
• Cherry – Pin or Sargent
• Dogwood – Pagoda or Grey
• Flowering Crabapple
• Lilac – Japanese, Peking, or Dwarf Korean
• Magnolia – Star or Loebner
• Nannyberry Viburnum
• Panicle Hydrangea
• Plum – Princess Kay or American Redbud
• Serviceberry – Apple or Allegheny
• White Fringe Tree

Help our butterflies, hummingbirds, honey bees, and bats 

Plant flowering shrubs, wildflowers and native grasses to give pollinators food and nesting sites so they can transfer pollen to create fruits, nuts and flowers.

Here are great resources for creating pollinator-friendly spaces:

• University of Minnesota Extension
• The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund
• The Monarch Joint Venture