A tree in a customer's yard and directly under a primary voltage line is eligible for replacement through BPUB's Trade-a-Tree Program. This program does not apply to trees near secondary lines. See the graphic below to see if a tree in your yard qualifies for the Trade-A-Tree Program.
BPUB and the city of Brownsville will remove the existing tree interfering with the primary line. The debris is cleared, and a replacement tree is placed in the customer's yard.
The tree is planted at the proper distance from the primary line to ensure that it will not later interfere with the line. A wide variety of trees are available as replacements through this program.
Group 1
Trees in Group 1 may be planted in any place in the customer's yard. Choices in Group 1 are:
- Brasil
- Crape Myrtle
- Huisache
- Texas Persimmon, Chapote
- Pindo Palm
- Weeping Bottlebrush
- Wild Olive, Anacahuita
Group 2
Trees in Group 2 must be planted at least 20 feet away from an area directly under the primary line. Choices in Group 2 are:
- Anacua
- Common Orchid Tree
- Ebony
- Golden Rain Tree
- Retama
Group 3
Trees in Group 3 must be planted at least 50 feet away from an area directly under the primary line. Choices in Group 3 are:
- Cedar Elm
- Honey Mesquite
- Live Oak
- Mexican Fan Palm
- Soapberry
BPUB makes every effort to relocate rare specimen trees, like Sabal palms, oaks, etc., directly under the primary power line.
If customers choose not to accept the Trade-a-Tree, they can donate it to the city for use in city parks or on city property.
