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Trees that grow too close to power lines can cause outages, start fires or create other hazardous conditions. Every year we
invest nearly $35 million to locate, prune and remove potential problem trees in our service area to provide safe and reliable
electric service. Generally, we remove trees that pose a serious threat to safety and electric service. Not only does this
work help maintain electric safety and service reliability, it is required by state and federal regulations.
Because our tree maintanence activities can have a profound effect on the appearance of trees, the value customers place on
high-quailty electric service will sometimes conflict with
 the value they place on trees in their community. That's why it's important to know how we do this job. We take pride in having
a professional tree maintenance program. In fact, we've been recognized with the Tree Line USA award for the fourth year in
a row by the National Arbor Day Foundation for our vegetation management and tree-pruning practices.
How do we prune?
We hire professional arborists to maintain a safe corridor around power lines. Our arborists and members of our tree pruning
crews are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. They use natural pruning methods to maintain the health
of the trees. Natural pruning, besides being healthier for the tree, also reduces resprouting in problem areas and limits
the length of sprouts that do occur. The tree's species, structure and the strength of wood are all considered when trees
are pruned.
Our contractors do not use "round over" pruning because this method wounds the tree and causes it to grow unnaturally.
In addition to pruning, trees not intentionally planted as part of the landscape that measure less than six inches in diameter
at 4.5 feet high will be removed and treated with herbicide.
If you'd like a tree pruned or removed for landscaping purposes, you'll need to hire a private tree removal contractor to
perform the work. If necessary, we can disconnect a service line for their workers' safety.
How much do we prune?
Pruning clearances depend on tree species and growth patterns and the voltage of nearby power lines. Around distribution lines,
which are typically found in neighborhoods, we provide at least 10 feet of clearance. Fast-growing species (willow, Siberian
elm, cottonwood and boxelder) require 14 feet of clearance while slow-growing species (spruce and oak) require at least 10
feet of clearance.
Here are some shapes you may expect from properly pruned trees:
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