To increase power reliability and reduce potential safety risks ahead of summer, Arizona public power utility Salt River Project partnered with the cities of Apache Junction and Chandler to remove 59 trees growing too close to power lines and planted 264 new trees as part of its Right Tree, Right Place program.
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.
"By partnering with SRP, the City of Chandler was able to further our goal of adding more trees in our city,” said Ryan McCartney, Urban Forester, City of Chandler. “For every tree removed, the city received six trees that will be placed throughout Chandler, mainly to provide shade in our community parks.”
The Right Tree, Right Place program helps SRP and partnering municipalities reduce the risk of safety hazards and power reliability issues often caused by trees growing too close to powerlines. These trees can cause power outages during storms and pose safety concerns for linemen and other workers.
The program also supports Valley-wide 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.
"This initiative not only expands our community's overall tree canopy but also protects the reliability of our power lines," said Liz Langenbach, Parks & Recreation Director, City of Apache Junction. "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."
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, Manager, SRP Manager of Vegetation Management and Maintenance. “Right Tree, Right Place helps SRP increase reliability and safety for customers and our crews. This year’s partnership with Apache Junction and Chandler has allowed us to proactively support reliability and sustainability across the growing East Valley community and provide them with more than 260 new trees to enjoy.”
