There’s something timeless about trees. They ground us. They remind us of where we’ve been, and they stretch toward what’s ahead. Here in our community, we take pride in the natural beauty that surrounds us — the shade on a summer afternoon, the colors that mark the changing seasons, the quiet strength of something that grows slowly but endures.
At the same time, we share another responsibility — one that’s just as essential to our daily lives. The responsibility to keep the lights on, to power our homes and businesses, to make sure that when you flip a switch, the energy you depend on is there.
That’s why K.C. Electric works every day to strike a careful balance between preserving the beauty we cherish and safely delivering the reliable electricity you expect.
One 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 and, with them, power lines and poles. In fact, many of our power outages can be traced back to trees coming into contact with electrical infrastructure.
That’s why you may notice contract tree trimming crews working in our service territory throughout the year. Our contractor 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 anything but — it’s a proactive step that helps prevent problems before they start.
And it’s not just good practice — it’s required. As an electric utility we 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 one step ahead, especially as we prepare for the intensity of severe weather events that occur in Eastern Colorado.
But 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. And during storms, fallen trees can create hazardous conditions not only for families but also for our linemen working to restore service.
There’s also a financial reality we can’t ignore. Preventive maintenance — like 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, 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. Trees that grow to more than 40 feet tall should be planted at least 50 feet away. If you’re landscaping near pad-mounted transformers or meter pedestals, keep shrubs at least 10 feet from the front and four feet from the sides to allow safe access.
If your home or business has underground lines, don’t forget to call 811 before digging. It’s a simple step that can prevent serious accidents.
K.C. Electric’s goal is to trim the trees in our service territory on a three-year rotation. This year, our contractor will focus on trimming trees in Cheyenne County but will also be trimming danger trees throughout our service territory.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a community that’s safe, resilient, and beautiful. At K.C. Electric, we’re proud to be part of that effort. Our roots run deep here, just like the trees we work to care for.
David Churchwell is the general manager of K.C. Electric Association, a rural electric distribution cooperative based in Hugo, Colorado.
