Salt River Project has joined Chandler and Apache Junction in removing 59 trees growing too close to power lines and planting 264 trees prior to this year’s monsoon.

SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program helps cities across the Valley “ensure power reliability and safety” during the summer, officials of the Tempe-based utility stated in a release.

For every tree removed in Apache Junction, SRP planted three trees in 24-gallon boxes in public parks, green spaces and city buildings, like public libraries and City Hall. For every tree removed in Chandler, SRP planted six new trees in 15-gallon boxes in similar locations.

SRP worked with the cities of Apache Junction and Chandler to identify which trees to remove and where to plant new trees, according to the release.

In addition to reducing safety hazards and increasing power reliability, the program “also supports Valleywide sustainability initiatives at SRP by increasing Central Arizona’s tree canopy and helping reduce the heat-island effect by providing additional shade in outdoor public spaces,” officials stated in the release.

“By partnering with SRP, the City of Chandler was able to further our goal of adding more trees in our city,” Ryan McCartney, urban forester for Chandler, said.

“For every tree removed, the city received six trees that will be placed throughout Chandler, mainly to provide shade in our community parks.”

Liz Langenbach, Apache Junction’s parks and recreation director, said the initiative expands the community's tree canopy but also protects power-line reliability.

"We've lost trees due to storms, so we are grateful to SRP for the additional 60 trees that have been planted at various parks and City Hall Complex," she said.

SRP has partnered with other Valley cities including Avondale, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Since the program began in 2018, SRP has removed more than 1,200 trees and planted more than 4,000 new trees.

“Summer readiness starts months before the temperatures rise,” said Matthew Goodnight, SRP’s manager of vegetation management and maintenance. “Right Tree, Right Place helps SRP increase reliability and safety for customers and our crews.”

SRP customers who see trees in their area growing too close to overhead power lines should call SRP at (602) 236-8888. Before digging, residents should call Arizona 811 to find underground power lines.

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