Tips to help you 'plan before you plant'

Ameren Missouri, Forest ReLeaf partnership also distributes more than 10,000 trees annually to communities throughout Missouri

The spring season is a popular time to plant trees. To promote proper tree management, Ameren Missouri is partnering with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri to educate the community on how to select the right tree and the right location before the shovel hits the ground.

Planting the wrong trees or planting them too close to utility equipment can cause property damage and interfere with the reliability of electric service.

“Ameren has a robust year-round tree trimming and vegetation management program that helps ensure trees and limbs are clear of electrical equipment to maintain reliability, especially during severe weather,” said Nick Henderson, manager of vegetation management for Ameren Missouri. “We know homeowners don’t want to lose mature trees in their yards because they are growing too close to the power line, so we are reminding communities how to be proactive and select the right tree and the right location for them. This will help ensure the tree can grow there for decades to come without posing any risk to your electric service.”

Plan before you plant

Make sure your trees are not planted under power lines, too close to utility poles or around any electrical equipment. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Planting a sapling that grows to be very large near a power line.

• Planting trees and shrubs too close to a pad-mounted transformer.

• Planting trees and shrubs that block access to poles and electrical equipment.

• Not calling 811 to have buried utilities marked on your property before digging.

Forest ReLeaf of Missouri is dedicated to supporting a more resilient tree canopy, which improves air quality, reduces erosion and lowers ozone levels. In 2022, they launched almost 200 planting projects, planted nearly 12,000 trees and potted more than 19,000 seedlings.