LOCAL NEWS — Plant the right tree in the right place. That’s the advice of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) as Tennessee Tree Day approaches on March 21.

“When planting trees, be sure to know how tall the tree will be at maturity to avoid interference with overhead power lines,” DREMC President and CEO Scott Spence urges. “Trees planted too close to power lines can not only cause outages but also pose safety concerns.”

Tennessee Tree Day is an annual event that encourages Tennessee residents to order, plant and nurture a new seedling to beautify their personal properties and communities. Seedlings must be pre-ordered and purchased by March 1 at this link. The site provides a list of native tree species available through the Tennessee Tree Day event and participating tree pick-up locations, including DREMC’s Chapel Hill office at 4637 Nashville Highway where four trees will be distributed: Southern Red Oak, Tulip Poplar, Redbud and Indigo Bush.

Trees cost $2.49 to $4.99 per tree depending on species. Bare root seedlings received through this program are 1 to 3 feet tall. Trees are available only by pre-ordering; no extra trees will be at the pick-up locations. Trees ordered through the Tennessee Tree Day campaign must be picked up at participating locations on Friday, March 20 during the times listed on the website.

Spence says that a guide to planting the right tree in the right place relative to power lines can be found at www.dremc.com/the-right-tree-in-the-right-place.

Some trees like the Indigo Bush are expected to reach 15 feet tall and spread up to 10 feet while others like the Southern Red Oak can grow up to 80 feet tall with a spread of 70 feet wide. Such details are included in the online tree order form.•

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