The Arbor Day Foundation has named AEP Texas a Tree Line USA Utility. This program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and recognizes utilities that meet three requirements: a program of quality tree care, annual worker training in quality tree care practices, and a tree planting and public education program.

“Across America, people are recognizing and celebrating how vital trees are to our cities and towns, “ John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said. “Trees help reduce peak demand by conserving energy. They also clean the air and water, increase property value and make our homes more comfortable living places.”

“Tree Line USA utilities deserve recognition for their commitment to providing safe, efficient service, while helping protect and preserve community trees,” said Rosenow. “One of the greatest objectives of Tree Line USA, and a major contribution of the program, is replacing the outdated line-clearance practice of topping trees with natural pruning. Natural pruning trains trees to grow around wires and retain more of their natural form. This results in healthier trees and reduced clearance costs for utility companies, since natural pruning can be done less frequently than topping.

The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit education organization, is dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship.

AEP Texas is an energy delivery (wires) company that delivers electricity to nearly 1,000,000 homes, businesses and industry across its nearly 100,000 square mile service territory in south and west Texas. AEP Texas also maintains and repairs its lines, reads electric meters, and handles connections and disconnections as directed by the Retail Electric Providers (REPs) selling electricity in the area.