Celebrating Our Dedicated Vegetation Management Team

When members flip a switch, charge a phone, or power appliances in their homes, they expect electricity to be there instantly and reliably. Behind that everyday convenience is a tremendous amount of work happening year-round to maintain the electric system—including the important efforts of Jones-Onslow EMC’s Vegetation Management team.

During Vegetation Management Week, June 8–14, we proudly recognize the hardworking crews who help protect the reliability and safety of our electric system every day. These professionals work behind the scenes clearing rights-of-way, trimming trees, and maintaining safe distances around power lines and electrical equipment to help ensure safe and dependable power delivery for our members.

In eastern North Carolina, vegetation management is especially important. Our region experiences rapid tree growth, dense wooded areas, hurricanes, strong thunderstorms, and heavy winds throughout the year. Trees and limbs coming into contact with power lines remain one of the leading causes of power outages. Even healthy trees can become hazards during storms when saturated ground, high winds, or lightning cause limbs to break or entire trees to fall.

That is why vegetation management is one of the most proactive and important investments an electric cooperative can make in system reliability. By routinely trimming and maintaining rights-of-way, JOEMC helps reduce the number and length of outages, improve restoration efforts following major storms, and keep both the public and utility crews safe.

The work itself is not easy. Vegetation Management crews often spend long days working in extreme heat, humidity, rough terrain, and challenging weather conditions. They navigate heavily wooded areas, operate specialized equipment, and work alongside power lines while following strict safety practices. During storm recovery efforts, these crews are often among the first on the scene helping clear access for lineworkers so power restoration can begin as quickly and safely as possible.

Members also play an important role in helping maintain a safe and reliable electric system. Keeping vegetation clear around transformers, meters, poles, and other electrical equipment located on private property helps provide safe access for crews performing maintenance or responding to outages. When equipment is accessible, crews can work more efficiently and safely during both routine service and emergency restoration situations.

Vegetation management is truly a year-round commitment that benefits every member we serve. While much of this work happens quietly and often goes unnoticed, its impact is felt every day through fewer outages, improved reliability, and a safer electric system for our communities. 

As we celebrate Vegetation Management Week, we extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help keep power flowing across our service area. Their commitment, expertise, and hard work are vital to powering the lives of our members and strengthening the communities we proudly serve.