TNMP partners with League City to provide tree planting education
Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) has partnered with the City of League City to create a learning space to educate residents about utility-friendly tree species.
Planting unfavorable trees under or close to powerlines is not only dangerous but can lead to power outages during inclement weather. The “Right Tree, Right Place” program aims to promote planting trees that are favorable to minimize tree conflicts and thus reduce any costs of maintaining the trees.
“The purpose was to lead the community to make better decisions that may affect all of us, to guide them what to plant, as opposed to just telling them what not to plant,” said Tim Cool, Forester at TNMP.
Cool says he ran the idea by League City Arborist Heather McKnight to determine if he could accomplish this goal.
“We are very excited about collaborating with TNMP to create this learning garden to help educate our residents about the types of trees that are best to plant near powerlines,” said McKnight. “TNMP bought the trees, and our Park Operations Department planted them along the walking/running trail at Hometown Heroes Park behind the pool.”
The selected species of trees include fruit, flowers, and some native to Texas, but all are completely opposite of the oak, sycamore, pine, and other tall growing species often planted in Texas.
“I hope the planting shows that TNMP is active in providing reliable power, connecting with the community, building trust, and thinking towards the future. One way we are increasing reliability is through our vegetation management efforts,” said Cool.
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