SRP to Plant 246 Trees, Remove 56 Growing Too Close to Power Lines in East Valley

WHAT: 

To increase power reliability and reduce potential safety risks, SRP and the cities of Apache Junction and Chandler will remove trees growing too close to power lines. For every tree removed in Apache Junction, three trees, each in 24-gallon boxes, will be planted as part of SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program. For every tree removed in Chandler, SRP will plant six new trees in 15-gallon boxes. The program plays an important role in preventing potential power outages ahead of the upcoming monsoon season and helps mitigate extreme heat by increasing the Cities’ tree canopies. All newly planted trees will be placed in parks and other locations owned by the Cities. In total, 56 trees will be removed, and 246 new trees will be planted through the program. Right Tree, Right Place aims to reduce the heat island effect, improve aesthetics and maintain electric reliability. SRP worked with the cities of Apache Junction and Chandler to identify which trees to remove and where to plant new trees.

WHEN / WHERE:

Tree planting:

• Thursday February 13, 8:15 a.m.
• Apache Junction City Hall, 300 E Superstition Blvd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
  Please arrive by 8:15 a.m. Re-plantings will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Tree removals:

• Friday February 14, 8:15 a.m.
• Fire Station One; 1491 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225
  Please arrive to the fire station by 8:15 a.m. Removals will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Media planning to attend removals or plantings should contact Elaina Steingard at elaina.steingard@srpnet.com. Please plan to wear closed-toed shoes.

VISUALS: 

• Interviews with experts from SRP
• Crews removing trees encroaching on power lines (Chandler only)
• Crews planting new trees away from power lines (Apache Junction only)
• Interviews with city officials from Apache Junction (re-plantings only)

DETAILS: 

SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program helps reduce the risk of safety hazards and power reliability issues caused by trees growing too close to powerlines. The program helps prevent outages during storms and supports SRP’s Valley-wide sustainability initiatives. SRP has partnered with other Valley cities including Avondale, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. More than 1,200 trees have been removed, and more than 4,000 new trees have been planted since the program started in 2018.

Customers who see trees in their area growing too close to overhead power lines should call SRP at (602) 236-8888. Before digging underground, residents are instructed to call Arizona 811 to locate underground power lines.