All winter we spend time thinking about landscaping and gardening plans. Here's to getting dirt under our fingernails--it's spring, at last! While thinking about where to plant those new shrubs or trees, make sure you are taking time to stay safe around overhead and underground power lines and electrical transformers. First, before doing any kind of excavation work, call 755-UDIG (755-8344) to locate underground lines. Lines will be located free of charge during normal working hours. Two working days notice is required.

Trees and shrubs are wonderful editions to our environment. However, poorly placed trees and shrubs can create problems and dangers. Tress growing near power lines can cause interruptions in service, downed lines and outages in storms. Trees can also provide access to power lines for children, which can lead to sever injury and death from electrical contact. Our right of way clearance crews help trim trees away from power lines to prevent these situations from occurring. A good rule of thumb is a 10-foot clearance away from power lines, but larger trees must be planted even farther away.

It is also very important not to plant trees and shrubs in front of any electrical equipment installed at ground level. When crews need to work on the equipment, they need access and they don't want to damage any of your plants. Plan to leave a 10-foot circle around the electrical equipment so that Flathead Electric crews can locate and open the equipment.

Our goal is to provide you with reliable service and promote safety. Don't hesitate to call with questions and happy planting!