Vegetation Management

Trees contacting power lines is the leading cause of power outages, according to federal regulators, and that's especially true during severe weather such as thunderstorms or ice storms.

CoServ has more than 2,800 miles of overhead lines on its network and many of them have trees growing around them. CoServ is committed to reliability and a big part of that is maintaining the trees once every four years.

CoServ's Vegetation Management Coordinators oversee more than a dozen contractor crews who work year-round to cut back trees that are near the lines.

In most instances, CoServ will send out a postcard mailer to your home in advance to let you know that we’ll be in your area. If the work will affect your property or electric service, crews will also notify you with a door hanger.

If trees near CoServ equipment are creating an immediate hazard or emergency, please call 855-938-3496.

Policies for planting around equipment and meters

Padmount transformer boxes: Please maintain a safe zone by keeping any fencing, landscaping, or other obstructions at least 10 feet from the front and 3 feet on the sides and back of the transformer. Remember to consider the plant's mature width prior to planting. Also, permanent structures need to be at least 5 feet from the sides and back. Click here to learn more about Transformer Safety.

For the safety of CoServ crews and the public, avoid planting near ground-mounted equipment.

Meter bases: Meter bases located on your residence must be kept accessible to CoServ service technicians with a three-foot wide access corridor. No plant material or obstructions may be placed within five feet from the front of the meter, up to a height of seven feet.

There are also rules about planting vegetation near electric meters so it's easy for CoServ crews and contractors to reach them.

Vegetation Maintenace Request

Safety is one of CoServ's core values. If you see trees or other vegetation close to CoServ power lines or equipment, we want to know. Please click on the button below to submit a request.

Request Vegetation Maintenace

Vegetation/Tree Maintenance Request

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North Texas Trees Suitable for Placement near Overhead Electrical Lines

CoServ’s Tree Line Safety initiative can help you make wise decisions on initial tree investment and placement. Trees are a valuable asset to our urban landscape. But, when allowed to come into contact with overhead electrical lines, they pose a serious hazard.

CoServ has a comprehensive tree line safety program to ensure safe, reliable delivery of power to each of our Members. Homeowners can contribute to the reliability of service and help reduce maintenance costs by selecting tree species that have a mature height that will not conflict with overhead lines. Click here to download the PDF guide.

Homeowners, HOAs and businesses can help CoServ by following this tree planting guide.

Below are suggested species for our area:

American Smoketree

Botanical Name: Cotinus obovatus
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Comments: Spikes of purple to pink flowers; distinctive blue-green leaves turn brilliant fall colors.

Carolina Buckthorn

Botanical Name: Rhamnus caroliniana
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 15’
Spread: 15’
Comments: Texas native, reliable fall color, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife.

Chinese Pistache

Botanical Name: Pistacia chinensis
Growth Rate: Rapid
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 30’
Spread: 25’
Comments: Reliable fall color, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife.

Crape Myrtle

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Comments: Profuse spikes of white, pink, or purple flowers through summer, and smooth, peeling bark.

Desert Willow

Botanical Name: Chilopsis linearis
Growth Rate: Rapid
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 30’
Spread: 25’
Comments: Showy pink flowers through spring and summer; extremely drought-tolerant.

Eve’s Necklace

Botanical Name: Sophora affinis
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 30’
Spread: 20’
Comments: Texas native, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit.

Fringetree

Botanical Name: Chionanthus virginicus
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Comments: Texas native, showy or fragrant flower. White sprays of flowers in spring.

Goldenball Leadtree

Botanical Name: Leucaena retusa
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Comments: Delicate foliage and round, yellow flower ‘balls,’ which often appear after a rain.

Goldenrain Tree

Botanical Name: Koelreuteria paniculata
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 30’
Spread: 20’
Comments: Reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit.

Hawthorn

Botanical Name: Crataegus spp.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Comments: Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower,
attractive seeds.

Lacey Oak

Botanical Name: Quercus glaucoides
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 35’
Spread: 30’
Comments: New leaves are peach-colored, turning blue-green, then back to peach in the fall.

Mexican Buckeye

Botanical Name: Ungnadia speciosa
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Comments: Pink flowers appear with new leaves; brown fruit husks remain through winter.

Mexican Plum

Botanical Name: Prunus mexicana
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Comments: Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife.