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Keep an Eye Out for Potential Tree Hazards

Occasionally, trees can fall into utility lines and pose dangers and power outages, surges, fires and other damage. Downed power lines are especially dangerous. A tree that is at risk of falling into a power line is also dangerous. Although almost every tree will have some sort of defect, the presence of multiple items from the check list can increase the likelihood of vegetation interfering with electrical lines. Refer to the following checklists for safely maintaining trees on your property:

Tree Hazard Checklist

  • Are there large dead branches in the tree?
  • Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
  • Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
  • Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
  • Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
  • Have any branches fallen from the tree?
  • Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
  • Is there evidence of the tree’s root-ball uprooting? Have roots been broken off, injured or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks or digging trenches?
  • Have soil conditions recently been changed by construction (raising the soil level, installing lawns or soil compaction)?
  • Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
  • Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed?
  • Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?

A certified arborist can also help you manage trees on your property and provide treatments to keep trees healthy and safe.

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Did You Know?

You should inspect, clean or replace your air filter if it looks dirty every 30 days. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and be harmful to your equipment.

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Rapid City Corporate Headquarters Black Hills Corporation

7001 Mount Rushmore Road Rapid City, SD 57702

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We're Improving Life with Energy by strengthening our communities through growth and development opportunities. That’s why we have a planning team focused on building strong partnerships with diverse businesses. Read more about economic development and our supplier diversity program network.

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Black Hills Corporation offers employees the opportunity for something more than a job. We provide challenging, exciting work that makes a profound difference in the lives of others. Find a job with Black Hills today.

Improving Life With Energy

Every day, we want to be “improving life with energy.” We produce, market and deliver the vital electricity, coal, oil and natural gas that our customers need. Through our efforts, products and services, we also share our personal energy to strengthen our communities and support growth and development.

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