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, working with the city of Brownsville, will remove the existing tree interfering with the primary line, clean up the debris and provide a replacement tree approximately five (5) feet tall, placed in the customer’s yard by a representative from a nursery.
The tree must be planted 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 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
Every effort will be made to relocate rare, specimen trees, like Sabal palms, oaks, etc., that are directly under the primary power line.
If a customer chooses not to accept the Trade-a-Tree, they can donate it to the city for use in city parks or on city property
