There is something special about planting a tree.

It starts small. You pick it out, bring it home, and place it just where you think it will look best. It adds a little character, a little shade, and a sense that you are putting something good into the ground that will last.

And it will last.

That is both the beauty of trees and the responsibility that comes with them.

At Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, we value the role trees play in our communities. They line our roads, shade our homes, support wildlife, and contribute to the natural beauty that makes Tennessee such a special place to live.

As your local electric cooperative, we are committed to two things that go hand in hand: providing safe, reliable power and being responsible stewards of the land we all share. That is why our message is simple: trim with purpose and plant with pride.

Celebrating Arbor Day with Our Communities

Each year, Arbor Day gives us an opportunity to pause and appreciate the impact trees have on our daily lives. It is also a time to come together as communities.

This year, UCEMC is proud to celebrate alongside local leaders across our service area as we recognize the importance of thoughtful planting and long-term care.

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter

Overton County Mayor Steven Barlow

Smith County Mayor Jeff Mason

Jackson County Mayor Jim Morgan

These partnerships reflect what it means to be a cooperative. We work together with our communities not only to serve today’s needs, but to invest in a stronger, more sustainable future.

Trim with Purpose

Tree trimming is one of the most important ways we maintain a safe and reliable electric system.

Each year, our crews maintain about 600 miles of line across our service area. This work is not about removing trees or changing the look of our communities. It is about preventing outages, protecting infrastructure, and keeping our members safe.

We saw just how important that work is during Winter Storm Fern, when heavy ice and snow weighed down tree limbs and brought them into contact with power lines, causing widespread outages in some areas.

Tree trimming is proactive. It helps prevent problems before they start. In fact, areas that have been recently trimmed can experience up to 80 percent fewer tree-related outages in the following year.

When severe weather moves in, that preparation makes a difference.

We trim with purpose so our communities can count on reliable power when it matters most.

Plant with Pride

Just as trimming plays a role in reliability, planting plays a role in prevention.

The decisions made when a tree is planted can have an impact for decades. That is why we encourage every homeowner to think about three key factors before putting a tree in the ground: type, location, and care.

Type

Know what you are planting.

Some trees, like flowering dogwoods and redbuds, stay smaller and are well-suited for areas near homes. Others, like apple, pear, and persimmon trees, can grow larger and provide fruit or support wildlife.

A tree that fits your space today should still fit it years from now.

Location

Where you plant matters most.

Trees should always be planted with space in mind, not just for how they look today, but for how they will grow over time. That includes maintaining a safe distance from overhead power lines and underground utilities.

Even smaller trees need room, and larger trees should never be planted near power lines. The right tree in the wrong place can quickly become a problem.

Care

Planting a tree is only the beginning.

To stay healthy and safe, trees require ongoing care. That includes watering when the tree is young, proper pruning to maintain structure, and monitoring for storm damage or disease.

A well-maintained tree is not only healthier, it is also less likely to create safety risks.

A Shared Responsibility

At UCEMC, we believe it is possible to have both a reliable electric system and thriving natural surroundings.

It is a shared responsibility.

Our crews will continue to trim with purpose, maintaining the system and preparing for whatever comes next. And with the help of our members, we can continue to plant with pride, making thoughtful decisions that benefit our homes, our communities, and our future.

Because when it comes to trees and power, the best results come from working together.