Many customers don’t realize it, but trees and tree limbs falling on power lines is the No. 1 cause of power outages. Protecting the safety of customers and employees who work on the lines – by preventing lines from falling, in the first place – is a top priority. That’s why Alabama Power systematically trims tree limbs that reach into the areas around the power lines and poles.

Alabama Power’s 99.97 percent reliability rate – among the electric industry’s top records in the U.S. – is no accident. It’s a job that Doug Standridge and his line clearing team from Trussville Crew Headquarters perform with pride, always keeping in mind that safety and customers come first. “Customers can count on seeing our contract tree-trimming crews on a routine basis,” Standridge said. With 26 years at Alabama Power, he recommends using these tried-and-true “zone” measurements for tree planting.

• Zone 1: Small trees – Plant trees 5 ft. from any direction of a power line.
• Zone 2: Medium trees – Maintain a distance of 5 ft. to 15. ft. away from the power line to provide trees such as dogwoods, crape myrtles, tea olives or Burford hollies room to grow.
• Zone 3: Large trees – Make sure to plant tall-to-medium-growth trees at least 20 ft. away from power lines.

If you have any questions about Alabama Power’s tree trimming program or planting trees around power lines, download a copy of a free brochure from Alabama Power. You can also contact our Vegetation Management Department at 205-257-2155, or email APCVM@southernco.com.