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 To report an outage please call 1-800-794-1989 or use the SmartHub mobile app. To talk to a person, press zero. To view our outage updates click here.

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Tree-Trimming

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  3. Tree-Trimming

tree crewA right-of-way agreement gives access to a strip of land so that utilities (electric, telephone, cable, water, and gas) may build, operate, and maintain service lines. This right-of-way helps us deliver reliable electricity. Tree-related outages account for 15 percent of service disruption. The clearing of lines increases service reliability. 

FreeState employs one dedicated tree crew at each district location. Every tree that grows too close to lines is a source of loss, and that means wasted energy.

Members do have a few responsibilities when it comes to vegetation management on their property.

Reporting
Members are asked to call the cooperative if they observe a problem along the lines. Our crew can only address issues that they are aware of. We rely on our members to help identify problem areas. 

Providing Access
We work with members as much as we can when it comes to logistics, and planning tree work. However, it is important for all members to update and maintain contact information. 

The tree crew can be called in to clear the right-of-way after an outage, but the crew is dedicated full time to the system. This means a lot of jobs are done to take precautionary or proactive measures. 

When pruning or doing clearing work we: 

  • Mark trees with a red ribbon to indicate removal. 

  • Remove trees rather than just trimming them to the point they appear “butchered.”

  • Work with members who have trees they want to keep because our priority is not only clearing lines but being considerate of members’ property. 

  • Prune to keep tree health in mind. 

  • They are always willing to help a member choose an appropriate tree to plant in the right location. 

  • Trim trees up to the meter. Any lines or infrastructure beyond the meter is the responsibility of the member. 

  • Leave your property as clean as possible.

We can deliver wood chips to members directly. If a member is interested in chips, contact the office to be put on the list. We make an effort to accommodate any requests. 

Clearing Right-of-Ways

The right-of-way request process will be guided by a FreeState member account coordinator. Please keep in mind that process time for applications can take 2 to 3 business days.

The MAC team will assist you any way they can, but during the busiest seasons, it could take longer to process your information. 

To help expedite the process, please feel free to download and fill out the application. You can bring it into the office with you, or email it. Once it is received a MAC will be in touch with you. 

Download the request here.

Note: Instructions on how to download, complete, and submit an electronic form are found here.

Why is clearing is necessary?
Trees make our communities beautiful, but tree limbs and power lines are not a good combination. FreeState Electric Cooperative’s distribution lines carry our members’ electricity and must be kept clear to protect their safety and keep their electric service reliable. By trimming trees, FEC reduces safety hazards and electrical outages.

FreeState employees crews at each office location that are trained professionals. In fact, the cooperative employees both certified arborists and certified chemical applicators. 

NEVER attempt to clear the lines yourself.

NEVER climb a tree with branches near lines.

NEVER touch power lines.

Contact with power lines could result in serious injury or death. 

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Contact Info

McLouth Office
507 N. Union
PO Box 70
McLouth, KS 66054

Topeka Office
1100 SW Auburn Rd. 
Topeka, KS 66615

Toll-Free:800-794-1989

EMAIL US!

 

About Us

With 14,974 members and 20,551 service points FreeState Electric Cooperative is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas and the fifth largest rural electric cooperative in the state of Kansas. FreeState serves nine Kansas counties and provides distribution infrastructure to Fort Leavenworth. 

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©2023 FreeState Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Trustees
    • Cooperative Leadership
    • Powering Fort Leavenworth
    • Cooperative Transparency
    • About Touchstone Energy
  • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Media Inquiries
    • Submit Feedback
    • New Construction
    • Ask Matt
    • What is my district?
  • Member Services
    • Apply for Service
    • Payment Options
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Payment Assistance
      • Pay Cash
      • Pay Now!
    • Capital Credits
    • Your Service
      • Security Options
      • Tree-Trimming
      • High Bill Concern
    • Member Programs
      • 101 Ways To Save
      • Attic Report Card
      • Medical Necessity Notification
      • Time of Use
    • Charges and Fees
    • Member Guide
    • Rebates
  • Outage Center
    • Outage Map
    • Preparing For Planned Outages
    • Social Feeds
    • Storm Updates
  • Communications
    • Connect With Us!
    • Energy Solutions Articles
    • Kansas Country Living
    • The Signal
  • Community Development
    • Co-op's Vote
    • CoBank Sharing Success
    • Local Sponsorships
    • Operation Round-Up
    • Youth Programs
    • FreeState Business Directory
  • Safety
    • Agriculture Safety
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Generator Safety
    • Meter Access
    • Power Line Safety
    • Prepare for Winter Outages
    • Safety Checklist
    • Safety Demonstrations
    • Ten Tips To Avoid Scams
  • Co-op FAQ
    • Ask FreeState
  • SmartHub Mobile
    • Using SmartHub
  • Annual Meeting
    • 2023 Candidate Videos
    • 2023 Trustee Candidates
    • Annual Report
    • Voting for Trustees
  • Crew at the Zoo
  • ESC Adjustment
  • Solar/EVs
    • All About EVs
    • Renewable Energy
    • Register Your Ride