Vegetation Management
NHEC is responsible for maintaining the “right-of-way” where power lines are located. Trees and vegetation in close proximity to the electric system are the leading cause of power outages. To keep our electrical distribution system as safe and reliable as possible, we are continually maintaining the spaces occupied by our 5,500 miles of energized line.
Learn more about our Vegetation Management programs below.
Learn more about our Vegetation Management programs below.
Information and Resources
See where NHEC Vegetation Management operations are happening.
Concerned about a questionable tree? Fill out the form and let us know.
Sometimes rights-of-way require the selective use of herbicide stump treatments.
Our Vegetation Management Program
Integrated Vegetation Management Plan
Our Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP) keeps power lines clear by using mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods to reduce outages. We use chainsaws, mowers, and other equipment to clear brush and trees from our right-of-way corridors. This helps us maintain a reliable electric system with fewer and shorter outages.
Our Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP) keeps power lines clear by using mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods to reduce outages. We use chainsaws, mowers, and other equipment to clear brush and trees from our right-of-way corridors. This helps us maintain a reliable electric system with fewer and shorter outages.
Right of Way Clearing
What is a right-of-way?
What is a right-of-way?
- It’s a corridor of land where NHEC’s power lines are located.
Purpose of the right-of-way:
- Safety zone between the wires and trees, buildings, etc.
- Provides access for line crews to maintain, repair, or improve the lines and poles.
NHEC’s approach to maintaining the right-of-way:
- They have a team of arborists and professional staff who work with tree contractors to maintain the right-of-way and reduce power outages.
- In most locations, they have the right to clear trees and branches that are within 15 feet of the pole.
- Healthy trees with enough clearance may be pruned.
- Trees without clearance will be removed.
- Trees near electric lines should be pruned or removed before they touch the lines to ensure adequate clearance for the next maintenance cycle.
Service lines from the pole to property
Service lines are the electric wires connecting your home or business to the utility pole. During vegetation clearing, we only remove branches directly touching and damaging the service line. You’re responsible for keeping lines clear between our trimming cycles.
Safety First: If you’re doing tree work near your service line, contact us to temporarily shut off power (fee applies). Stay at least 10 feet away from energized lines. Never cut trees or branches touching the lines.
Service lines are the electric wires connecting your home or business to the utility pole. During vegetation clearing, we only remove branches directly touching and damaging the service line. You’re responsible for keeping lines clear between our trimming cycles.
Safety First: If you’re doing tree work near your service line, contact us to temporarily shut off power (fee applies). Stay at least 10 feet away from energized lines. Never cut trees or branches touching the lines.
Clean Up Responsibilities
- Roadside brush: Will be chipped and the woodchips will be blown back into the woods where appropriate.
- Brush in other areas: Will be moved to the edge of the right-of-way and placed in long, low piles called windrows. These windrows will then be slashed or diced down.
- Wood/Logs: Will remain on site in an organized manner.
- Stump Removal: Is the responsibility of the property owner.
Maintenance Cycle:
- We Aim to complete a full maintenance cycle of our service area every 8 years.
- Contractors work year-round to maintain the system.
Clearance Specifications:
- 15 ft. each side of the PRIMARY line from the ground: No vegetation should be allowed to grow within 15 feet on either side of the main power line.
- Minimum of 20 ft. overhead clearance: Vegetation should not grow taller than 20 feet above the highest point of the power line on the pole.
- Includes all unacceptable vegetation: This likely refers to any vegetation that could pose a risk to the power lines, such as trees with weak branches or those that grow quickly.
- Right-of-way widths may vary: The required clearance area might be wider in some cases, depending on the voltage of the power lines.
What Happens During a Storm?
During storms, our tree contractors prioritize tree removal to enable swift power restoration. Homeowner responsibility includes the removal of all storm-damaged trees and limbs, regardless of who initially removed them.
Hazard Tree Program
Hazard trees indicate potential for imminent failure and damage to the distribution system. NHEC’s Hazard Tree Program evaluates and removes trees within the 30-foot right-of-way that pose a threat to fall on power lines.
Member Notification
Before vegetation management work begins on your property, NHEC makes every reasonable effort to contact you via mail or phone. We also work to identify property owners at locations lacking metered service.
During storms, our tree contractors prioritize tree removal to enable swift power restoration. Homeowner responsibility includes the removal of all storm-damaged trees and limbs, regardless of who initially removed them.
Hazard Tree Program
Hazard trees indicate potential for imminent failure and damage to the distribution system. NHEC’s Hazard Tree Program evaluates and removes trees within the 30-foot right-of-way that pose a threat to fall on power lines.
Member Notification
Before vegetation management work begins on your property, NHEC makes every reasonable effort to contact you via mail or phone. We also work to identify property owners at locations lacking metered service.
Where You Plant Matters
Right Tree, Right Place
When planting trees near power lines, consider tree selection carefully to maintain reliable service and ensure public safety. NHEC has the right and responsibility to remove trees, branches, and vegetation that grow within the 30-foot power line right-of-way
Acceptable Tree Species
Acceptable Species for Planting near Power Lines
When planting trees near power lines, consider tree selection carefully to maintain reliable service and ensure public safety. NHEC has the right and responsibility to remove trees, branches, and vegetation that grow within the 30-foot power line right-of-way
Acceptable Tree Species
Acceptable Species for Planting near Power Lines
For other options, please consult with an NHEC Arborist
- *Please plant with access to the poles and electrical hardware in mind. If plants are impeding access to poles or electrical hardware, they are subject to removal regardless of whether they are on the acceptable species list above.
- Please remember that today’s small sapling could cause tomorrow’s power outage, so please consult the list of acceptable tree species above BEFORE you plant near power lines. Our NHEC Utility Arborists are also happy to help. Call them at 1-800-698-2007.
- NOTE: when planting near underground power lines, always call DigSafe at 811 so your utility companies can mark any underground lines. DigSafe is free and it’s the law.