East Texas trees are a hallmark of our region and are important to our local economy. However, trees are also the leading cause of outages on Sam Houston Electric Cooperative’s system. Sam Houston EC is nationally recognized for its programs that maintain reliable service along 7,000 miles of power lines running through East Texas forest country.
To request Vegetation Management near a power line, contact the Co-op at 800-458-0381 or submit a request through your mySamHouston online account.
Dead & Dangerous Trees
In addition to maintaining clearance on each side of more than 177,000 power poles, the Co-op also identifies hazardous trees that are likely to fall on power lines. These dead or dangerous trees are outside the Cooperative’s right-of-way but are in danger of falling and damaging the Co-op’s power lines or facilities.
Certified arborists regularly inspect power lines, identify dead or dangerous trees, and then assign professional crews to cut the trees. Arborists also evaluate trees reported by members, and if necessary, the tree will be cut in the planned work cycle.
Crews will take down the tree safely, but the tree remains property of the landowner, so it will not be removed.
In a typical year, the Cooperative cuts 6,000 to 8,000 dead trees that are an active threat to service reliability. Because of drought and other extreme conditions, 26,000 dead trees were cut in 2023 to prevent outages and ensure power continued flowing to members’ homes and businesses.
Right-of-Way Maintenance
Sam Houston EC performs routine maintenance of trees and other vegetation throughout our system year-round. Regular trimming to direct growth away from power lines helps prevent the outages and other damage trees can cause. Maintenance includes pruning trees, mowing and cutting brush, and applying herbicides. Debris from pruned trees will be mulched, shredded, or chipped.
These programs are designed to minimize adverse environmental impacts and fully comply with applicable laws and regulations. They are essential to maintaining reliable electric service for our members and to provide for the safety of both your family and the public. The dead & dangerous tree program and the right-of-way maintenance program are essential and are required elements for the Cooperative to retain its national safety accreditation.
The skilled employees and contractors working for Sam Houston EC are committed to establishing the clearance required to bring you years of safe and dependable electric service.
Note: Authority to perform right-of-way maintenance is granted in the signed membership application and easement agreement between the property owner and Sam Houston EC.