COLORADO CITY, AZ — Residents will see changes along Central Street beginning this month as Garkane Energy undertakes a major power line infrastructure project, according to information posted on the town’s website.
The utility company plans to relocate large power lines from private property into the public right-of-way along Central Street, raising them five feet higher and installing larger wires to accommodate growing electricity demand in the area.
As part of the project, Garkane Energy will remove all mulberry trees currently planted in the west-side planter strips beneath the power lines. The removal work is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026.
Public Works Director Rick White confirmed the project details, while Mayor Howard Ream did not respond to requests for comments.
Town officials say the wood chips generated from the removed trees will be made available free to residents in the vacant area at the Town Hall.
Infrastructure Damage Prompts Action
The mulberry trees slated for removal have outgrown their planter spaces, with roots damaging both curbs and sidewalks along Central Street, in addition to requiring frequent trimming to keep them away from power lines. The planter strips are only suitable for small trees, not the larger species that were originally planted.
This isn’t the first time the town has had to remove oversized trees from street plantings. Large cottonwood trees along University Avenue east of Central Street were previously removed due to similar infrastructure damage.
Balancing Safety and Community Values
Neal Brown from Garkane Energy said the company has contracted with Deseret Tree Worx to handle the tree removal and trimming work.
“We understand trees are precious to a community and we always want to be highly respectful of that, especially trees that have been in the area for many decades,” Brown said. “We focus on vegetation management for many reasons. Trees and shrubs growing too close to power lines can pose a significant risk.”
Brown emphasized that the work is essential for maintaining system reliability. “We also want to minimize power outages, which during high winds, storms and extreme heat, falling branches or trees can bring down power lines creating dangerous situations,” he said.
The company maintains what it calls “a high standard of safety and reliability throughout our service territory.”
Sustainable Replacement Plan
Following completion of the power line upgrade, the Town of Colorado City will replant the affected areas with what officials describe as “more street appropriate trees and vegetation.” The new landscaping will be selected specifically to avoid growing into power lines and causing damage to street infrastructure.
“The commitment of the Town Government and staff is to enhance and maintain the investments and efforts that have been made by many citizens over the years to provide trees and other beautification of the streets,” town officials said in the website announcement. “This removal and replacement program is a continuation of that vision and will provide enhanced traffic and pedestrian safety as well as preserve the infrastructure.”
Town officials emphasized that even after this phase of tree removal, Colorado City will still maintain approximately 1,000 trees in its parks and street right-of-way.
Safety Concerns for Private Property
The town is also encouraging residents with trees on private property that may come into contact with high-voltage power lines to coordinate with Garkane Energy for removal and replacement, citing safety concerns.
