Neighbors upset by electric cooperative's tree-cutting

Central Electric co-op clearing right-of-way

Luke Wieberg, 21⁄2, watches out the sliding glass door as men in yellow hard hats cut down the tree that used to hold his swing. Through the years, it has been acceptable to have the pine tree trimmed to keep it safely out of the overhead power lines, but now the Wiebergs have been told it has to come down completely, much to Luke’s dismay. Photo by Julie Smith.

By Gerry Tritz

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Each morning for the past couple weeks, toddler Luke Wieberg has walked to the back glass door in his home to see if the trees are still standing in his back yard.

“Are they going to push down our trees?” he recently asked his mother, Jessi, who cried as she recounted her 21⁄2-year-old boy’s concern.

Luke’s routine started when his mother told him that someone planned to cut trees down in the backyard of their home at 5211 Old Lohman Road.

That’s when a contractor for Central Electric Power Cooperative told Wieberg and her neighbors that they planned to remove trees within 50 feet of each side of the company’s power line over their homes. Any trees that are 12 feet tall or have the capability of growing that tall are being cut down.

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On Wednesday, the power company started following through with its plans, over neighborhood objections that the tree-cutting plans were excessive.

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him 1 year, 2 months ago

Something don't seem right about this. I don't know how many feet the electric company right a way is, but if they don't own the tree I don't see how they can cut it down. I would get an estimate for the tree and send the electric company a bill.

whocares 1 year, 2 months ago

Explaining why they are cutting down the trees is simple. Tell the child how when bad weather comes your power will still be on because the tree limbs didn't take down the power lines. Apparently adults need to be told in the same manner.

billbrasky 1 year, 2 months ago

True. But I have a better idea for the electric company. Give people the option to leave the trees and when weather knocks the lines out come and charge people an emergency fee to do the repairs/restore the power. This opens up an entire new revenue stream for the utility companies.

bluesfan13 1 year, 2 months ago

Unfortunately, it's not just their power that would be out.

dokeus6 1 year, 2 months ago

An emergency fee?

You know how much the emergency fee would be? The cost of the line to replace and the cost of the poles that might need replaced?

The co-ops do these tree removals as part of their service to their customers who want the power on at all times. They are pro-active in keeping the trees away from their lines.

They have the right of way which they have paid for in advance in putting those lines up.

muleman 1 year, 2 months ago

Paid for? If you want the electricity you give them a right of way.

dokeus6 1 year, 2 months ago

Wouldn't it be safe to say that they paid for the land that the poles are setting on?

kendramm 1 year, 2 months ago

50 feet is pretty excessive, especially when they are worried about 12 foot trees...if the tree fell over, it still wouldn't be half of 50 feet. Also, I live on a street lined with trees and power lines...those are trimmed, not completely taken out. I'm also fairly sure that for ever tree cut, whoever did it should be planting another to better our environment and counteract our rapidly diminishing tree population. We know they aren't doing that. So, what about all the other trees near power lines? Are they taking them all out or just singling out certain ones?

hater1234 1 year, 2 months ago

Kids are going to cry. Moms, by nature, want to make sure their kids aren't sad but come on... going to the paper because your kid is crying? I see where he gets his whining from! Quit babying & coddling your child! I feel bad for the Kindergarten teacher who has this kid's mom to deal with, that teacher won't be able to do anything right!

her 1 year, 2 months ago

Attn to "whocares", "hater" and the like....no one in this neighborhood wants to obstruct power lines or cause a power outage by a fallen tree. The maximum 12' height rule is new and is felt to be excessive because some of these trees have been standing for over 25 years at a MATURE height of ~20'. The power lines would NOT be touched if these trees were to fall because the lines are nearly 50' tall. Some of these trees do not pose a hazard now and certainly won't in the future. The power line company could be more selective with their culling. It makes me so angry to read some of these heartless replies from readers that don't know the details of the situation. By the way, ease up on the "coddling" mother as she's not the one that contacted the newspaper for this story!

Daroz 1 year, 2 months ago

Yes, it is unfortunate that the tree removed had his swing in it. Electric companies have been mandated to clear the right of way by the State of Missouri due to reliability issues brought about by ice storms and other forces of nature. What had been overlooked in the past in the right of ways are now being removed. A 50 foot right of way means that the company has 25 foot from centerline of the wire to operate their equipment to repair/maintain these lines by use of boom trucks and other related equipment. The contractor and owner had taken the time to inform the surrounding property owners of their intentions to perform the work in as professional a manner as possible. If you plan on planting vegetation near these lines it would benefit you to contact the electric/phone company to ensure no future conflicts.

pal 1 year, 2 months ago

It appears that the trees being cut are the entire back yard. Just because of the power outages from storms over the past few years, the electric company is taking advantage of the situation and coming in to basically "clear-cut" a 100-foot pathway through the sub-division. AND, for this child, there can never be another tree planted in his back yard as long as the power company continues with this uncompromising policy. Should the trees be in danger of damage to the power lines I know none of the neighbors would object to that particular tree being removed, but a 100-foot path clear-cut all the way through? Seem pretty heartless to me.

pal 1 year, 2 months ago

In response to Daroz, there was legislation passed in Missouri in 2008 allowing electric cooperatives to do tree trimming and removal, but all through the legislation it says they MAY do this and number (8) under sub-section 2 of Senate Bill 958 states -- "Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as requiring any elecric supplier to fully exercise the authorities granted in this subsection.

Daroz 1 year, 2 months ago

Yep. An example of how the State of Missouri can mandate something, knowing the day would come when something like this would happen, yet hold themselves harmless. What do you think would happen if the next ice storm hits and one, it only takes one, tree knocks out the power? Whose feet would be held to the fire? The state, no. They'd be first in line saying how they have these requirements to trim and how the company didn't do their proper job. The State does have some good lawyers.

viktorkowski 1 year, 2 months ago

I would cry. Then go check on my 15k of solar arrays and maybe turn the break off on the wind turbine for a little extra juice and then be happy knowing in just 3 more years the system has paid for itself and I will have free energy for the next 15 years.

dee123 1 year, 2 months ago

I agree something isn't right about this. A 12 foot Rubber Tree could bounce a few times I guess. If trees are not a safety issue or a threat to power lines then don't cut them down. They could do some trimming. It's excessive. I say call the PSC they will stop this abuse of power lines.

viktorkowski 1 year, 2 months ago

the PSC is just a extension of power companies to create the illusion you have rights.

pal 1 year, 2 months ago

The PSC does not regulate the electric cooperatives.

dee123 1 year, 2 months ago

pal. I find that hard to believe. Then you would be saying they are self regulated, I doubt that. If that were the case they could do this or anything else to anyone along the lines. Where do these lines run?

pal 1 year, 2 months ago

These particular lines run from California, MO to Brazito, MO that they are planning to cut the 100-foot path on. This is not the only neightborhood that will be affected. And yes, we were told that the PSC does not regulate the electric cooperatives since they are member oriented, only the corporate electric companies. I really do not know who does regulate them, if anyone does, so essentially I guess they are self-regulated.

viktorkowski 1 year, 2 months ago

are they not member owned?

viktorkowski 1 year, 2 months ago

the only time the PSC steps in for coop is when electric safety is at issue: source: psc.mo.gov/about-the-psc/A_Snapshot_of_What_We_Do.pdf

dee123 1 year, 2 months ago

pal So you are saying that an unregulated Coop can cut a 100 foot path from California to Brazito and the State of Missouri would let that happen. What about MDC or The Arbor Day Foundation they should care about this many trees. There has to be a lot of families that live along those lines not just this little boy in the picture. There are a lot of trees going to be cut down unecessarily. If I had a power lines in my yard I would be calling this Coop to see if they belong to them. I can see why they are upset. Iam calling my Congressman this isn't right.

richg 1 year, 2 months ago

If it's their easment they can.

dee123 1 year, 2 months ago

I agree that the Coop should be allowed to get in to the trees to trim or remove a tree that is treating to safety or outage. But I can't see cutting down trees because they are going to be 12 feet tall 50 feet from the lines. They need to use some common sense. No trees under the lines ok, a tree say 25 feet away could be 20 feet tall I would think.

j_appleseed 1 year, 2 months ago

Has the coop indicated how many power outages are due to falling trees limbs? If they're clear cutting a 100' swath, will it reduce repair cost? Will the coop pass these savings on to the members? How will the coop abate other outages, ie. lightning strikes, overloads, errant cars running into poles, too many crows on the line:) Or maybe these are unreasonable to manage. Perhaps it also unreasonable to expect homeowners and members to stand idle by while the coop mows down trees, that not only provide new memories but house old ones too, AND pose no threat to utility service. What is the advantage of the coop if service mirrors that of the mega utility company?

her 1 year, 2 months ago

Richg, you're right. If it's in the easement they can, but should they IF the trees pose no harm? Waste of time/$$/trees.

Gotigers 1 year, 2 months ago

So if the power company is really concerned about safety--why not BURY the power lines like all the new subdivisions do. That is ALOT safer and you would never have to worry about losing power due to an ice storm.

This isn't about safety its about what is easiest for the Power Coop. Also, those fruit trees would never reach that height. THis is ridiculous.

I suggest everyone to keep calling the company and complaining until they understand.

Where the heck are all the "GREEN FOLKS" when you need them. Power companies killing trees is right up their alley.

JCsleeper 1 year, 2 months ago

These are not residential power lines. These are very high voltage transmission lines, distributing electricity to member cooperatives at great distances. They require large easements for maintenance due to large size of the lines and the stuctures that support them.

treehugger 1 year, 2 months ago

JCsleeper you have brought up a very good point. These lines are not like normal distribution lines. They are transmission and very high voltage.As for the green people someone else spoke of I am very concerned with mother nature and the gifts that she provides us. Now just to make one thing clear I imagine that the arborists clearing this line are simply doing as they have been told by Central electric who does have 100 feet under these lines. That is one the biggest differences between that strip of ground under transmission and distribution lines. You are concerned now about having a bare yard and are blaming the company but when straight line winds or an ice storm (heaven forbid) happens and that same tree if left standing falls on the line and you lose power for a week yet again you will blame the company. Its simple trees and power lines don't mix, either live in the dark ages with no electricity and keep all the trees or sacrafice a little and step into the 21st century and watch your tv, play your wii, etc. I am sorry for the trees but somewhere someone will plant a tree to replace it, maybe even one of the men cutting them down.

CVPI 1 year, 2 months ago

This is not a new thing. Cutting and trimming trees in a power line's right of way has been done for many, many years across the US. There are many trees that can be planted that will not interfere with power lines and most Co-Ops will plant one of those trees for you if requested free of charge. It just plainly boils down to the simple question of, do you want trees or power for your home and neighbors?

j_appleseed 1 year, 2 months ago

No one is arguing the validity of the easements. The point is what level of preparedness is reasonable. Many of the trees cited for removal will never attain heights that will threaten service. Many of the homeowners probably considered which trees were appropriate when they planted them. Now they're being told their careful consideration was for not, because of the letter of the easement. Just because you have the right doesn't mean you should take it to extremes.

brain 1 year, 2 months ago

After reading all the comments I was curious as to exactly where the other areas are that will be affected by this tree trimming. As I searched out the power lines on maps and looked at where the clearing will be done I was posed with one question, It appears that the clearing started in this neighborhood that appears to be of a medium income level. On the maps I see that these power lines go through Westview Heights, the Westport Drive area and also along the back of the Quail Valley sub-division. Will the electric coop policy and the neighborhood reaction be the same in these other neightboroods, two of which appear to be of a higher income level, especially the Quail Valley area. Is that why they started here in this neighborhood, which is in the middle of the lines, wouldn't you think they would start at one end and go to the other end, why start in the middle? Have these other areas been notified yet that they are going to lose their trees? Evidently not or we probably would have heard from them in these comments. It is true that they are transmission lines, but the trees being cut are not tall enough to come close to these power lines, and have been in these yards for over 20 years as has been stated in earlier comments. If they were okay for all these years, why now? I am a on the rural electric coop lines and my power has been interrupted or off very seldom over the past 15 years. All the concern about losing power from these trees is misguided and exactly what the electric coop wants you to feel so they can justify their actions. If it were my yard, I would be right with these neighbors and I bet most of you would too if it were your own yard!

Hugs 1 year, 2 months ago

I think the best thing that Luke and his parents could do is to take action by planting their own tree or trees. This I think would give the boy some hope for the future and pride for himself.

whocares 1 year, 2 months ago

Brain- did you ever consider that middle income homes are in the are because the housing is CHEAPER because of the power lines????
Clearing isn't done every year so it does make sense to cut them far enough to allow regrowth for the next few years. Another thing to remember is that limbs don't fall straight down, watch a tree the next wind storm goes through. They also need plenty of room to get trucks in to work on the lines if need be.
Yes it's a shame this child is losing his trees but don't blame the company that is only trying to keep everyones power on. Do you really think power companies sit back and dream up how they can make peoples lives miserable?

j_appleseed 1 year, 2 months ago

In response to 'who cares'. Did you notice the comment that in 15 years power is seldom effected? As far as needing plenty of room for trucks 'if needed'. How about this, if needed, clear a work space in the event there is a problem. I have a fence on an easement, if there is a problem, I understand the fence may have to come down to repair the line. Are you suggesting I should have sacrificed half of the yard, for the trucks, just in case a repair was needed?

JMO 1 year, 2 months ago

If your power goes out, do you want to wait for hours while trees are removed so trucks can get to the damaged section? Or do you want that power back on quick?

There's no doubt that they have the 100 foot easement and they are entitled to cut. But I also understand people thinking this is a bit excessive. Does it really take 100 feet of space to get in there? And do trees 12 feet tall 48 feet from the line, which may spread to say 30 feet of the line, really need cut down at all? The problem is you start making exceptions - Oh this tree is only 13 feet tall, that's close enough. or Well it's 49 feet from the line, that's far enough. and you have other people crying foul when you don't give them the exception.

dee123 1 year, 2 months ago

The lines do run through Westport and Quail Valley and they have not been notified. Three River Coop buried their lines many years ago in the area being cut now. This plan as I understand it was derived from the center of the lines that swag 20' to ground wanting 10' clearance ending with a 12' tree. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission guidline for a 69000 volt transmission lines minimum vegetation clearance distance table 2 of FAC-003-2 is .90 feet.

dee123 1 year, 2 months ago

whocares just because people live in cheaper housing don't mean that they don't want to have a yard with trees to enjoy. I think this mother is wonderful that she would fight for trees that her child love. These are seen as easements not yards. This is not a requirement by the State of Missouri.

treecutter 1 year, 2 months ago

The Coop has been cutting trees in this line for years and the members have understood the trees were dangerous or too close. They have always been able to work with the landowner in the past wouldnt be any different now if the Coop had not came up with this plan. It is my experience that the owner understands a tree needs to come down. Cutting down all these trees is not needed.

pal 1 year, 2 months ago

dee123, what do you mean about the 20 foot swag. How tall are these lines anyway, and do you mean the lines dip 20 feet down? And what about the minimum .9 feet vegetation clearance. If that is so, why are they clearing 50 feet? I just don't understand why this is being done when these trees have never caused any power outage concerns and the electric coop evidently has the power to choose how big of a path they clear along their lines.

gofish 1 year, 2 months ago

My guess is that the 50 feet designation is meant for economy of scale. Cut everything back 50 feet now and you won't have to cut for another 20 years. Doesn't make it right, because I've never heard of a 50' utility easement. They are likely encroatching on landowners rights. But that's my hunch.

JCLifer 1 year, 2 months ago

BINGO!

How wide is the easement? That is how far they can clear.

cbo 1 year, 2 months ago

I live in this neighborhood. Although my 4 trees do not pose a hazard they will be cut down. They are all 35' from center of the power lines. One is a 15 year old flowering cherry that will usually mature to 20' tall which is its present height. We do not dispute the Coop has 100' easement. We also feel a tree that is a threat to safety or reliable operation should be removed. We are only asking for common sense in this matter. This issue only involves our neighborhood at this time however after cutting down trees along the line west toward California I understand they are to cut the lines going south which as mentioned above include the Westport, Northport and Quail Valley area

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