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. The first removal and replacements happened on March 4, thern again three days later on March 7.
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.
