Tree Pruning Around Power Lines

It is the goal of Bryan Municipal Utilities to ensure safe, reliable service to their customers and to maintain access to utility structures.

Trees growing too close to power lines can become a hazard and contribute to power outages. Ice, snow, and wind can break branches growing above and among wires and cause the wires to malfunction or break. Trees are one the most common reasons for utility outages. Pruning trees to avoid contact with electrical conductors and equipment is required to maintain reliable electrical service, increase the safety of crews and the public, and is mandated by Ohio and Federal law. This specialized pruning is known as line clearance pruning.

BMU has contracted with Asplundh Tree Experts in 2019 to perform line clearance pruning throughout our system. Asplundh is a well established company that has over 80 years of experience in utility line clearance. All pruning will follow the latest American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A-300 pruning standards and employ Best Management Practices for utility pruning developed by the International Society of Arboriculture. All work will be performed under the supervision of certified arborists with safety as the first priority.

The most appropriate way to prune trees for electric utility line clearance is by directional pruning. This pruning method removes branches growing toward conductors in favor of those growing away. Branches are pruned back to a lateral branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the branch being removed. This allows for good wound closure and reduces sprouting. Directional pruning removes fewer leaves, which trees need for making food. Directional pruning actually removes fewer branches and increases wound closure, thereby reducing internal decay.

In some situations tree removal may be preferable to line clearance pruning including:

  • Fast-growing species growing directly under the power lines that require frequent pruning and will never have a natural form – high outage risk
  • Saplings (brush) with the potential to grow into or close to the lines
  • Large, previously topped trees under the lines
  • Hazardous trees (examples – leaning, in decline, severe dieback, cracked or split, hollow, insect/disease infestation, etc)
  • Tree species recognized as invasive

Customers affected will be notified by door hangers or in person prior to work beginning. If you have any questions or concerns please contact BMU at 419-633-6100 or City arborist April Smith at arborist@cityofbryan.com.

Common FAQs

(Provided by www.asplundh.com)

How do you pronounce that name?

“AH – splund”. The final “H” is silent. It is a Swedish family name meaning “grove of aspen trees”

Why do you have to prune or remove my trees? Why do you have to prune so much?

There are many reasons to prune or remove trees that are growing into power lines.

Some common reasons include:

    • Utilities are usually required by law to maintain safe and reliable electric service for the public.
    • Trees near utility lines must be pruned or removed to keep the power on, and to protect high-voltage lines from damage.
    • Reducing the threat from trees will reduce power failures and the hazard of downed wires, especially during storms, when trees and branches sway considerably. A single tree failure can cause a power outage for thousands of people.
    • The amount of pruning varies depending on the type of tree, how often the tree is pruned, and the type of power line.
    • Tree care industry standards recommend removing branches that grow toward the lines, reducing the amount of pruning needed in the future.
    • Some trees grow many feet per year, and will quickly grow back into the lines unless they are adequately and properly pruned.
    • Tall growing trees directly beneath power lines may require extensive pruning, including the removal of the main leader.

Who gave you permission to access my property to prune my trees? How much will it cost?

Most power lines have an easement that allows the utility access for maintenance as necessary. Regardless of the easement, the utility provides a public service, and is required by law to provide safe and reliable electricity for everybody. This sometimes requires us to prune or remove trees that are located on private property. You will not be billed for this FREE service.

Can you top or prune the whole tree to give it a more symmetrical shape?

Topping (stubbing and rounding over) is bad for trees, and often causes rapid growth back toward the power lines. Generally, we only prune the part of the tree that could affect the lines. This allows the rest of the tree to naturally grow away from the power lines.

Will my tree become unbalanced when you prune only one side?

Trees naturally adapt to changing conditions, and it is not unusual for trees to have more foliage on one side than another. Roots hold the tree up, and are generally not affected by utility pruning. Most importantly, after pruning, the tree can no longer contact the high-voltage lines.

While you’re here, can you remove that tree by my house?

We are working for the utility company, so we can only work on the trees that are most likely to affect the power lines.

Why were the neighbor’s trees pruned differently?

The neighbor’s trees may have been closer to or farther from the lines. They may be a faster or slower growing species, or have a natural growth pattern that required a different style of pruning.

How often do you prune the trees?

Most utilities plan their utility pruning on a regular schedule, or cycle. The length of the cycle varies depending on location, weather, tree growth rates, and the overall condition of the trees along the lines. Generally, pruning must be done more frequently in areas with longer growing seasons and plenty of moisture. Cycles can be as short as just one year, or as long as six or more years.

Where can I find more information about proper tree care?

The Arbor Day Foundation, the International Society of Arboriculture, and the Tree Care Industry Association, all have valuable information about tree care. The TREE Fund is a non-profit foundation, supported by Asplundh, that funds research and education efforts into proper care for trees in our cities and towns.