Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Benton REA as Tree Line USA Utility

Benton REA was named a 2022 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its dedication to proper urban forest management.

Tree Line USA—a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters—recognizes utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate America’s urban tree canopy.

Tree Line USA promotes delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.

“Trees are essential to creating more urban green spaces in communities across the United States,” says Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water and vital tree shade. Service providers such as Benton REA demonstrate how easily trees and utilities can coexist for the benefit of communities and residents.”

By joining the Tree Line USA program, Benton REA benefits from lowering line clearance costs due to proper pruning.

As a result of properly pruned and maintained trees, co-op members benefit from increased service reliability. Trees with healthy root systems have less structural weakness and ultimately result in fewer downed lines during storms.

Benton REA earned the Tree Line USA recognition by meeting five program standards: quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education, a tree-based energy conservation program and hosting an Arbor Day celebration.