Manitoba Hydro to do more tree trimming, brush clearing as utility sees more related outages

Manitoba Hydro plans to do more tree and brush maintenance this year, after it said the province experienced the highest number of tree-related outages in more than a decade in 2024. 

There were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province in 2024 — more than in any of the previous 14 years, the Crown corporation said in a news release on Wednesday. 

Tree contact with electrical lines is one of the leading causes of power outages in the province, Manitoba Hydro said. In addition, falling branches and overgrown brush can spark fires and downed electrical lines create safety issues for community members and hydro crews. 

"It's important for both safety and reliability of the system that we try to keep trees and brush away from power lines," spokesperson Peter Chura said. 

That's why the utility will be doing more vegetation management work this year, largely focusing on rural areas. He said a map of areas crews are clearing will soon be available on Manitoba Hydro's website. 

Workers will be trimming trees, using heavy machinery to remove brush, and applying herbicides to prevent vegetation growth, according to the press release. 

"You might see crews along highways, you might see crews in your neighbourhood. It's important just to stay back, keep a distance from where the work is going on," he said. 

If you see a downed power line, you should stay at least 10 metres away from it and call 911 immediately, he said.

Chura also said homeowners have a responsibility to keep trees and brush on their property away from power lines and hydro infrastructure. 

Homeowners can fill out a tree safety assessment on Manitoba Hydro's website if vegetation is growing near power lines or hydro poles. 

"We want to see fewer outages. I'm sure homeowners and customers want to see fewer outages and this is one way that we can go about that," Chura said.

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