29
February
2024
|
11:05 AM
America/Denver

SRP, City of Phoenix to Begin Removing Trees that Threaten Overhead Power Lines

For every tree removed, several more trees will be planted with SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program

  • Right Tree, Right Place | Tempe 2019
    SRP crews and contractors removing trees that pose a threat to overhead power lines in Tempe in 2019. For every tree removed, several more trees are planted.
  • Right Tree, Right Place | Tempe 2019
    SRP crews and contractors removing trees that pose a threat to overhead power lines in Tempe in 2019. For every tree removed, several more trees are planted.
  • Right Tree, Right Place | Tempe 2019
    SRP crews removing trees that pose a threat to overhead power lines in Tempe in 2019. For every tree removed, several more trees are planted.
  • Right Tree Right Place
    An example of a tree encroaching on a power line which is removed as part of the SRP Right Tree Right Place program.
  • Right Tree, Right Place | Tempe 2019
    SRP crews and contractors removing trees that pose a threat to overhead power lines in Tempe in 2019. For every tree removed, several more trees are planted.
  • Right Tree, Right Place | Tempe 2019
    SRP crews and contractors removing trees that pose a threat to overhead power lines in Tempe in 2019. For every tree removed, several more trees are planted.
  • Right Tree, Right Place | Tempe 2019
    SRP crews removing trees that pose a threat to overhead power lines in Tempe in 2019. For every tree removed, several more trees are planted.
  • Right Tree Right Place
    An example of a tree encroaching on a power line which is removed as part of the SRP Right Tree Right Place program.
Summary

Tree removals are scheduled to begin on March 4 at 7th Street and Greenway Road, and media are invited to attend. Interviews are available with experts from SRP and the City of Phoenix.

Media interested in filming tree removals should contact Tyler Wegleitner at tyler.wegleitner@srpnet.com.

WHAT:

In an effort to increase power reliability and reduce potential safety risks, SRP and the City of Phoenix are scheduled to begin removing trees growing too close to power lines. For every tree removed, three more trees will be planted as part of SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program. The program plays an important role in preventing potential power outages ahead of the upcoming monsoon season and supports the goals of mitigating extreme heat by increasing the city’s tree canopy.

This spring, 67 trees will be removed through the program and 201 new trees will be planted within the City of Phoenix, with 150 of these trees planted in routes to public transportation.

The new trees will help improve shade cover, mitigate the effects of heat on people outside and enhance air quality. SRP worked with the City of Phoenix’s Departments of Street Transportation, Human Services and the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation to identify trees to remove. The Office of Heat Response and Mitigation coordinated the planting of new trees with the Departments of Human Services, Police, Public Transit and Street Transportation.

Phoenix is the first city to be selected twice for the program. SRP last worked with Phoenix in 2018 to remove 400 trees and plant 1,400.

WHEN/WHERE:

  • Monday, March 4, 8:30 - 10 a.m. at 7th Street and Greenway Road
  • Thursday, March 7, 10 - 11a.m. at 23rd Avenue and Hidalgo Avenue

VISUALS:

  • Crews removing trees encroaching on power lines
  • Interviews with experts from SRP and the City of Phoenix

DETAILS:

The goal of SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program is to reduce the risk of possible safety hazards and power reliability issues caused by trees growing too close to powerlines. These proactive efforts play an important role in preventing outages during storms.

SRP has previously partnered with other Valley cities including Peoria, Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale as part of the program. To date, more than 1,200 trees have been removed, and more than 4,000 new trees have been planted in the Valley since the program started in 2018.

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. 

About SRP

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals.