SRP, City of Phoenix Plant 180 Trees, Remove 60 Growing too Close to Power Lines

The City of Phoenix and SRP recently concluded the 2024 Right Tree, Right Place program. Through the partnership, SRP worked with Phoenix to identify and remove trees that posed a threat to overhead power lines. For every tree removed, three more trees were planted – either in a new location or in the same location with a power line-friendly variety. 

Through the program this year, 180 new trees were planted throughout the city, and 60 trees were removed. The program is aimed at increasing power reliability and safety by removing trees that could come into contact with power lines and cause power outages, while also having a positive environmental impact. This is especially important ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. 

The new trees were planted along city streets in city-owned right-of-way. The city and SRP also worked together to identify areas that could benefit from increased shade. 

Each year, SRP selects a new city partner to work with.  Previous city partners include Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Avondale, Peoria and Scottsdale. SRP has removed more than 1,300 trees and planted more than 4,000 through the program since it started in 2018.  

“Trees play an important role in reducing the urban heat island effect and improving air quality,” said Matthew Goodnight, SRP Vegetation Management and Maintenance Supervisor. “Through the Right Tree, Right Place program, SRP not only adds to the urban tree canopy that provides shade cover to the valley, but also improves grid reliability for customers by preventing possible outages during storms.” 

While important to the Valley, trees can pose a threat to both overhead and underground power lines. If customers see trees in their area growing too close to overhead power lines, they should call SRP at (602) 236-8888. Before digging underground, residents are instructed to call Arizona 811 to locate underground power lines.