Clearing Rights-of-Way Keeps Electricity Flowing
Lynches River Electric Cooperative’s ongoing vegetation management program keeps your electric service reliable.
Tree Trimming Map
View our interactive map to see tree trimming work in progress
See this year’s maintenance schedule below.
Trimming trees and removing plant growth around power lines prevents blinks and temporary outages. A blink can cause havoc with your computer system and possibly cause the loss of valuable and expensive data.
If limbs that overhang our line are properly managed, you’re also less likely to have a prolonged outage when storms come to call. The major cause of a storm-related outage is when ice or wind break limbs that bring our lines crashing down.
But the most important reason to keep trees trimmed away from power lines is safety. No one wants a tree close enough to a power line that would allow a playful child to climb up and be in danger.
Our Vegetation Plan
Lynches River’s vegetation maintenance program follows a five-year plan. That is, we try to reach every line on our system within five years; then we start again. Lynches River maintains about 2,600 miles of lines.
Our Bylaws give Lynches River permission to maintain a right-of-way of 15 feet on either side of co-op lines. As much as possible, we try to cooperate with landowners and homeowners in determining just how much trimming is necessary in the co-op’s right-of-way. However, if our line is there, your co-op has a legal right to trim it.
In addition to keeping our lines clear of vegetation, our rights-of-way give us a path to do maintenance or repair work. This access to co-op lines is crucial during outage restoration after a major storm.
Lynches River contracts with experienced companies to perform its right-of- way maintenance using aerial tree trimming, mowing, pruning, and an environmentally safe, United States EPA-registered and -approved herbicide to control vegetation. Hiring contract crews saves the co-op money and that keeps rates down. These contract crews are highly skilled, properly equipped and under the supervision of Lynches River Electric Cooperative.
Questions? Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about the cooperative's vegetation management program, please contact us.
Our toll-free number is: (800) 922-3486
The local contact number is: (843) 672-6111
2023 Management Schedule
Tree Trimming Map
View our interactive map to see tree trimming work in progress
Wolf Pond Substation
- Hwy 207
- Wolf Pond Church Road
- Landsford Road
- Dudley Road
- 207 end of Magnum School Road
Jefferson Substation
- Hwy 601
- Ogburn Road
- Lake Terry Road
- Dewitt Lowery Road
- White Plains Church Road
Brewer Substation
- Hwy 265
- Taxahaw Road
- Victory Road
- Flat Creek Road
- Payne Road
Cauthen Substation
- New Hope Road
- Lynwood Drive
- Mount Carmel Road
- Douglas Road
- Major Evans Road
Tree Planting Guide
Use the following guide to take the guesswork out of where to plant a tree:
Tree Size
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Distance From Power Lines
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Right-of-Way FAQ
A right-of-way refers to the designated area of land that allows access to and through private properties for the installation, operation, and maintenance of power lines and other electrical infrastructure. According to our Bylaws, Lynches River Electric Cooperative (LREC) has been granted a right-of-way of 30 feet, which extends 15 feet on each side of the co-op lines.
Lynches River Electric Cooperative is typically responsible for the maintenance of the right-of-way. We have an obligation to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the power lines within the right-of-way.
Right-of-way maintenance for Lynches River Electric Cooperative includes tasks such as vegetation management (trimming or removing trees, shrubs, and other plants that could interfere with power lines), maintaining clearances around power lines, inspecting, and repairing infrastructure, and addressing any safety hazards within the right-of-way.
Lynches River contracts with experienced companies to perform its right-of-way maintenance using aerial tree trimming, mowing, pruning, and an environmentally safe, United States EPA-registered and -approved herbicide to control vegetation.
Regular maintenance of the right-of-way is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply and preventing electrical outages. Proper vegetation management helps minimize the risk of trees or branches falling on power lines during storms, reducing the likelihood of power interruptions and potential damage to equipment.
In some cases, property owners adjacent to the right-of-way may be responsible for certain maintenance tasks, such as mowing the grass or controlling vegetation growth within a specific distance from their property line. However, the overall responsibility for comprehensive maintenance usually lies with Lynches River Electric Cooperative.
The frequency of right-of-way maintenance for Lynches River Electric Cooperative may vary depending on factors such as vegetation growth rates, weather conditions, and the type of infrastructure present. Lynches River’s vegetation maintenance program follows a five-year plan. That is, we try to reach every line on our system within five years; then we start again. Lynches River maintains about 2,600 miles of lines.
If you notice a maintenance issue or have a concern regarding the right-of-way, you should contact the office at 843.672.6111 or complete our contact form.
Yes, there are often regulations and guidelines set by regulatory bodies and industry standards that define the requirements and best practices for right-of-way maintenance in the electric cooperative sector. These guidelines typically include specifications for vegetation clearances, inspections, and safety standards.
To ensure the safety and reliability of power lines, there are usually restrictions on planting tall-growing trees or vegetation near power lines within the right-of-way. Please see the Tree Planting Guide above for planting appropriate vegetation that is compatible with power line clearances.
No, you are not permitted to use the right-of-way for personal purposes, such as gardening, storage, hunting, deer stands, or food plots, within the jurisdiction of LREC without obtaining prior permission. The right-of-way is primarily designated for power line infrastructure and associated maintenance activities. Unauthorized personal use is strictly prohibited, and it's important to note that Lynches River Electric Cooperative cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur to property left within the 30 feet right-of-way.