SRP, Phoenix to begin removing trees that threaten power lines
To date 1,200+ trees have been removed, 4,000+ new trees have been planted in the program
Special to Independent Newsmedia
Posted 3/1/24
In an effort to increase power reliability and reduce potential safety risks, SRP and the city of Phoenix are scheduled to begin removing trees growing too close to power lines.
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In an effort to increase power reliability and reduce potential safety risks, SRP and the city of Phoenix are scheduled to begin removing trees growing too close to power lines.
Tree removals are scheduled to begin Monday, March 4 at 7th Street and Greenway Road. Another round of removals are scheduled for Thursday, March 7 at 23rd Avenue and Hidalgo Avenue.
For every tree removed, three more trees will be planted as part of SRP’s Right Tree, Right Place program. The program plays an important role in preventing potential power outages ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, and supports the goals of mitigating extreme heat by increasing the city’s tree canopy.
This spring, 67 trees will be removed through the program and 201 new trees will be planted within the city of Phoenix, with 150 of these trees planted in routes to public transportation.
The new trees will help improve shade cover, mitigate the effects of heat on people outside and enhance air quality. SRP worked with the city of Phoenix’s departments of street transportation, human services and the office of heat response and mitigation to identify trees to remove.
Phoenix is the first city to be selected twice for the program. SRP last worked with Phoenix in 2018 to remove 400 trees and plant 1,400.
SRP has previously partnered with other Valley cities including Peoria, Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale as part of the program. To date, more than 1,200 trees have been removed, and more than 4,000 new trees have been planted in the Valley since the program started in 2018.
If customers see trees in their area growing too close to overhead power lines, they should call SRP at 602-236-8888. Before digging underground, residents are instructed to call Arizona 811 to locate underground power lines.
