Rural Electric Cooperative has over 3,000 miles of electric distribution lines and clearing trees is an on-going project. One of the ways REC can provide reliable, affordable electric power is through its rightof- way clearing program which includes pruning, removals and chemical control. In addition to removing trees, REC crews also prune new growth during their daily routines.
REC’s tree giveaway program helps replace trees the Cooperative must remove from under its power lines. These trees are provided to the members as a way for the Cooperative to help replace one of our natural resources.
Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual tree giveaway for its members will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 8 a.m.
Employees of REC will be in Lindsay, Elmore City, Maysville and Rush Springs to give members trees during the Cooperative’s Operation Tree Planting and Replacement Program. Each member will each receive up to 10 trees.
Employees of the Cooperative will be at the Walmart parking lot in Lindsay, located at the junction of Highways 19 and 76; in front of the Town of Rush Springs City Hall and Police Department in Rush Springs, 301 W. Blakely Street; the parking lot of the Gathering House in Maysville, 314 6th Street; and the parking area of Casey's in Elmore City, 22964 Highway 29.
The types of trees available are Loblolly Pines and Shumard Oaks.
Loblolly Pines are one of the most common pine trees. This North American native has dark green needles with narrow, red-brown pinecones about three to six inches long. These trees grow to be about 60- to 90-feet tall and have a spread of 25to 35-feet wide once they reach maturity.
Shumard Oak is a pyramidal tree which grows to 50- to 90-feet tall. This oak variety will become more open at maturity. The leaves are up to seven inches long with two to four pairs of pointed lobes. During the fall, the leaves will change to a scarlet color. Shumard Oaks are a relatively fast-growing tree and are drought resistant. Shumard Oaks are great shade trees and will produce acorns.
The Cooperative requests members plant trees at least 30 feet from the electric power lines. This will allow the trees to mature without requiring trimming or removal in the future.
Members should contact our office at 405-756-3104 ext. 238 for additional information.