Black Hills Energy reminds customers of smart planting, tree trimming and outdoor safety for spring

Black Hills Energy reminds customers of smart planting, tree trimming and outdoor safety for spring season 

May is Electric Safety Month: Smart practices help keep communities safe and support reliable electric power

PUEBLO, Colo. May 15, 2026 – As flowers bloom and trees continue to grow across Southern Colorado this spring, Black Hills Energy is marking National Electric Safety Month by encouraging customers to practice smart planting and tree trimming, while considering safety around outdoor electrical equipment and powerlines. Thoughtful vegetation management, paired with everyday electric safety measures, helps reduce wildfire risk and supports a safe and reliable electric power system.

Managing trees and vegetation near power lines is an important step in protecting homes, businesses, and communities as the region heads into the peak growing season. While Black Hills Energy is taking proactive vegetation management steps, the company encourages customers to play a role by making informed planting and landscaping decisions this spring and summer. 

“Vegetation management is one component of our broader electric safety and wildfire mitigation efforts and is an important part of protecting the communities we serve,” said Dale Silbernagel, vegetation specialist for Black Hills Energy. “When trees grow too close to power lines, they can cause outages, safety hazards and increased wildfire risk. By working together – through safe trimming practices, thoughtful planting decisions and being aware of outdoor electric safety, we can all help keep our system safe and reliable.” 

As part of this work, customers may see Black Hills Energy crews and contractors working in their neighborhoods trimming trees, removing vegetation or conducting inspections near overhead power lines and poles. 

A shared responsibility for safety 

While Black Hills Energy is responsible for maintaining safe clearances around overhead electric lines, customers play an important role on their own property, both above and below ground.  As customers plan outdoor projects this spring, Black Hills Energy encourages the following practices: 

• Never plant a tree that could grow within 25 feet of a power line – as both limbs and tree roots can cause hazards. If you're not sure where it’s safe to plant a tree, contact Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554. 

• Regularly trim trees and remove dead or dry vegetation. Routine maintenance helps support safety, protects nearby utility systems and reduces wildfire risk. 

• Never trim trees near power lines yourself. Hire a qualified Line Clearance Certified arborist to trim trees near power lines. 

• Before starting any digging or landscaping project, always call 811 to have underground utilities marked.  

Important safety reminders

In recognition of Electric Safety Month, Black Hills Energy also encourages customers to practice outdoor electric safety every day. Spring projects, yard work and landscaping often bring people closer to electrical equipment, increasing the need for extra awareness.

• Use caution when working with ladders or tools near overhead lines and keep yourself, tools and equipment at least 10 feet away – this also includes keeping recreational equipment like kites and drones away from electric infrastructure.
• When using electric tools outdoors, always use weather-rated extension cords and inspect them for damage before use.
• Keep electric equipment away from water, including sprinklers, puddles and wet grass, and avoid operating electric tools in wet or windy conditions.
• Finally, always assume any downed power line is energized – never touch it and keep children and pets away. If you see a fallen power line or someone near one, call 911 and then Black Hills Energy (888-890-5554) immediately.

To learn more about tree safety and trimming, visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety/electric-safety/tree-safety-and-trimming  

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Media contact

Natalie Falbo, Public Affairs Manager           (719) 601-7991

Black Hills Energy                                          Natalie.falbo@blackhillscorp.com