Manitoba Hydro is significantly increasing its tree trimming and vegetation management efforts in 2025 in response to a record number of tree-related power outages across the province. The initiative is aimed at improving service reliability, reducing outages, and enhancing safety for both the public and utility workers.

In 2024, Manitoba Hydro reported more than 2,600 outages caused by tree contact—the highest number recorded in over a decade. In response, the Crown utility is adopting a more aggressive and proactive approach, which includes mechanical brush clearing, targeted tree removal, and the selective use of herbicides to manage overgrown vegetation near power lines and critical infrastructure.

“Tree contact remains one of the most frequent causes of power disruptions in Manitoba,” said Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Allan Danroth in a statement earlier this year. “This expansion of our vegetation management work is essential to maintaining a reliable electricity system for homes, businesses, and communities across the province.”

The expanded strategy will be especially visible in rural areas, where crews will deploy heavy equipment and herbicides to reduce wildfire risk while improving access for emergency responders. Manitoba Hydro’s 2025 vegetation management program also includes guidelines and outreach for property owners, reminding them of their shared responsibility to keep vegetation clear from service lines.

Beyond outage prevention, the effort supports faster restoration times during storms and improves access for hydro crews. According to Hydro spokesperson Peter Chura, the 2025 plan reflects the utility’s long-term commitment to grid resilience and public safety.

The program is guided by Manitoba Hydro’s integrated vegetation management (IVM) approach, which balances mechanical and chemical treatments with environmental stewardship. In April 2025, Hydro published details of its pesticide use for the season, outlining safety procedures and environmental safeguards.

Residents can find more information on Hydro’s tree trimming practices, responsibilities near power lines, and the full vegetation management plan at hydro.mb.ca.

About The Author

Emma Kelly

Emma Kelly is the Senior Editor for The Thompson News, bringing a wealth of expertise in media and community reporting to Northern Manitoba.

A member of the Canadian Association of Journalists, Emma returned to core news journalism in early 2025 following a distinguished 15-year career as a content publisher and digital strategist. This background allows her to combine traditional journalistic integrity with a modern, data-driven approach to storytelling.

Emma holds a First-Class Honours degree in Business Studies from the University of Ulster and a postgraduate diploma in Accounting, providing her with a unique analytical lens when covering municipal politics, community development, and the social issues shaping Thompson, MB.

Contact her at emma@thethompsonnews.ca.