Planting for a Stronger, Greener Rochester

At Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), we’re committed to keeping our community safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible. Through our Partners in Planting program and ongoing tree maintenance efforts, we’re working alongside local partners and residents to ensure the right trees are planted in the right places.

Trees play an important role in both energy savings and community beauty. When planted strategically, they can provide shade that reduces summer cooling costs, block winter winds to lower heating bills, and improve air quality. Through our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA® program, the City Forester and local nurseries, RPU helps promote healthy urban forestry while offering customers resources and incentives to plant wisely.

Just as important as planting the right tree is maintaining safe distances from power lines. Trees that grow too close to overhead lines can create safety hazards and impact service reliability. That’s why RPU regularly trims trees near power lines and encourages customers to select appropriate tree species and planting locations. Choosing smaller trees near power lines and placing larger trees farther away helps prevent future issues and supports long-term system reliability.

Please report any tree that is contacting the electric wires to RPU at 507-280-9191 so that RPU personnel can investigate and correct any safety hazards.

Each year, Arbor Day serves as a reminder of the important role trees play in our community. RPU is proud to support local tree planting efforts and encourages

residents to carry that momentum forward by planting and maintaining trees that are both beneficial and safely placed.

By working together, we can enhance Rochester’s urban forest while maintaining safe and reliable electric service.