Phone: (352) 793 -3801
Vegetation Management
Ensuring Reliability. Promoting Safety.
Preserving Our Canopy.
At SECO Energy, we balance the beauty of our local environment with the need for safe, reliable power.
Our Vegetation Management program is guided by ISA-certified arborists and is designed to prevent outages before they happen while adhering to the highest standards of arboriculture.
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Why We Trim: Reliability & Safety
Trees are a leading cause of power outages, especially during Florida’s high winds and summer storms.
- Preventing Outages: Regular maintenance prevents branches from contacting lines, reducing "blinks" and sustained outages.
- Public Safety: We clear vegetation to prevent fire hazards and ensure that energized lines are not accessible via climbing trees.
- Storm Restoration: Well-maintained rights-of-way allow our crews to access equipment faster and safer after major storms.
Our Trimming Standards
SECO Energy follows a systematic, professional approach to maintain over 1,500 miles of line annually.
- The 3-Year Cycle: We aim to prune every mile of our overhead distribution system every three years.
- Certified Professionals: Our crews are led by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists.
- Clearance Specs: * Primary Lines: We maintain a 10-foot clearance around poles and lines.
- Ground-to-Sky: In specific rights-of-way, we clear all vegetation to ensure unhindered line operation.
- Debris Policy: For routine maintenance, we dispose of small limbs/brush in landscaped areas. Following "Acts of God" (storms), debris removal is the property owner's responsibility.
Member or SECO's Responsibility?
Equipment | Maintained By: |
| Main Distribution Lines | SECO Energy (Routine maintenance & pruning) |
| Service Lines (Pole-to-Home) | Member/Homeowner (Keep clear of vines/branches) |
| Phone & Cable TV Lines | Service Provider (Contact your cable/phone company) |
Contact SECO Energy if you believe a hazardous tree is threatening primary power lines.
Note: If you plan to trim near service lines, contact SECO to request a temporary power disconnect at no cost to you.
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Right Tree, Right Place
Strategic planting saves energy and protects your power. Follow these guidelines to keep our community safe.
Safe Planting Distances
- Small Trees/Shrubs (<25ft mature height): Plant at least 15 feet away from lines.
- Medium/Large Trees (>40ft mature height): Plant at least 50-70 feet away from lines.
- Pad-Mounted Transformers: Keep shrubs 10 feet from the front (lock side) and 3 feet from sides/rear.
Energy Conservation Tips
- Summer Cooling: Plant deciduous trees on the South, Southwest, or West side of your home to provide summer shade.
- Winter Heating: Plant evergreens on the North and West sides to block cold winter winds.
Call Before You Dig
It’s the law. Before planting or landscaping, call 811 (Sunshine 811) at least three business days in advance. They will mark public underground utility lines for free so you can dig safely.
Concerns?
Have a concern about a tree touching a primary line?
Contact us to submit a request.
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