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Tree Management FAQs Tree Management FAQs


Q
Why does CU trim trees?

A CU prunes trees away from electric lines in order to provide reliable electric service to our
customers.

Q
What determines how much to trim?

A Line voltage determines the amount of tree/electric line clearance required.

High voltage transmission lines running from substation to substation require a minimum of
fifteen feet clearance, with no overhanging branches.

Primary voltage lines running through neighborhoods require a minimum of ten feet
clearance, with no overhanging branches.

Q
Does CU trim around service lines to homes?

A Property owners are responsible for keeping tree limbs away from this line. For your safety,
consider hiring a professional for major trimming.

If you choose to do the trimming yourself, CU will gladly disconnect the service wire and
reconnect it when the trimming has been completed. There is no charge for this service.
Allow two days notification for scheduling.

At your request, CU will trim for minor clearance around the service line when we are on
your property doing our regular maintenance work.

Q
What is the Power Line Safety Act?

A The Power Line Safety Act requires workers and equipment to stay at least ten feet away from
overhead power lines. If you will be trimming, or hiring someone to trim within ten feet of
CUs overhead power lines, please contact us for assistance at 863-9000.

Q
Does CU clean up broken branches left after storm-related outages?

A During emergencies, CU leaves the tree clean up to you in order to allow our staff more time
to restore your neighbors power.

Q
What happens to the chips and wood left over after pruning?

A At the property owners request, CU will remove the chips and wood for disposal. Wood
chips are available to the public for pickup anytime at 740 N. Belcrest. Contact CU at 863-
9000 for firewood.



Q
Why does CU prune trees the way they do?

A Although utility pruning has different objectives than other types of pruning, CU arborists
adhere to professional industry standards recognized by the International Society of
Arboriculture. This type of pruning requires that cuts occur at locations causing the least
damage to a tree, enabling the tree to properly recover and heal from the pruning.

The natural structure of the tree, the growth pattern, and the trees mature size and shape are
all considered before pruning begins. The intent is to remove branches back to lateral
branches or parent stems that will grow away from utility facilities.

Topping or rounding over the trees canopy is discouraged because this practice severely
damages trees and encourages rapid re-growth back into facilities. When these cuts are
repeated over time trees are weakened, their food stores are depleted, and their ability to resist
insects, diseases, and failure is decreased.

Q
Who does pruning for CU?

A CU currently uses contract arborists for pruning. These arborists receive intensive training
from both their employer and CU to make certain they meet our standards. Our current
contractor is Asplundh Tree Expert Company.

Q
Who do you recommend for private tree service?

A Although CU does not recommend one tree service company over another, there are criteria
recommendations to consider: 1) Make certain the tree service has an ISA Certified Arborist
on staff; 2) Verify the tree service company is licensed and insured; 3) Ask for a free estimate
from more than one tree service; 4) Think twice before using a tree service that will top
trees.
Q
What can I plant near electric lines and underground transformers?

A Consider the mature height and spread of trees before planting near electric lines and
facilities. Trees that will be 25 feet or taller at maturity should be planted at least 25 feet from
overhead facilities.

When planting around underground equipment, plants must be at least 10 feet away from the
front and 3 feet from the sides. Ask for CUs brochure with information on ornamental trees
that can be planted near electric facilities.

Q
What is Tree Line USA?

A The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State
Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities across the nation demonstrating practices that
protect and enhance Americas urban forests. Utilities must meet three requirements in order
to be recognized as a Tree Line USA Utility: 1) Quality Tree Care; 2) Annual Worker
Training; 3) Tree Planting and Public Education.

City Utilities
a Tree Line USA Utility since 1994