Keep the power on or keep it green? The paradox of tree trimming
Mature oak trees engulf a row of houses in Midtown Memphis. Residents surrounded by trees can save money on their utilities due to protection from the sun. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Foliage has historically caused about 40% of power outages in Memphis, but thick canopies shelter residents from the sun and harsh winds, meaning tree trimming is a balancing act for MLGW.
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Keely Brewer
Keely Brewer is a Report for America corps member covering environmental impacts on communities of color in Memphis. She is working in partnership with the Ag & Water Desk, a sustainable reporting network aimed at telling water and agriculture stories across the Mississippi River Basin.
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