Sam Houston EC’s Dead Tree Program Explained

In an average year, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative cuts 7,000 dead trees, an average of one dead tree per mile of line.

In 2023, Sam Houston EC cut 26,000 dead trees, an average of 3.6 trees per mile of line. So far in 2024, 11,000 dead trees have been cut, an average of 6.9 trees per mile of line.

Sam Houston EC launched its “dead tree program” in 2021, Chad Simon said during a recent program for the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce.

“After winter storm Uri, many of the strongest trees were damaged, causing problems on our lines. Then we had drought last year,” Simon said.

“It’s a huge expense for us and it takes a lot of time, so we start on the west side and then we go east,” he said.

Although this can be costly and time consuming, with over 7,000 miles of power lines, it is almost imperative.

“This is part of our right-of-way program, but not to be confused with right-of-way pruning,” he said, commenting that Sam Houston EC currently has 10 different contractor crews working across the system, particularly on the dead tree program.

He said the power lines follow a five-year cutting cycle, but if a branch is noticed near a line, it can be reported and they will inspect it. Every mile of the more than 7,000 miles of line is patrolled annually in the 10 counties served by the electric cooperative.

After discovering the dead and dangerous trees, Simon said crews identify them, cut them down and leave them there.

“We will leave the tree in a safe place for you,” he said. “We do not remove debris from dead trees because they are your property. We don’t actually own the trees. We own the power lines. We cannot pay to have them cut and removed. »

“As far as recent storms, I wasn’t there for Hurricane Harvey, but those who were there compared them to Harvey,” Simon said. “They weren’t typical East Texas storms.”

“We are currently in the middle of hurricane season. Make sure you have backup batteries. Be prepared to evacuate the area. If a major hurricane hits our area (Category 3 or higher), it could take up to two weeks to repair and restore our system,” Simon said.

Call 800-458-0381 to speak with a member service representative. He will be able to answer your questions or put you in contact with the rights of way service.