Our professionals, both on staff and contractors, have arboriculture certifications and extensive experience specific to the utilities industry. EPB contracts only with Certified Utility Arborists that meet strict specifications. These contractors follow the National Electric Safety Code and ANSI A-300 Guidelines as endorsed by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Do not plant climbing vines near power poles or guy wires, and do not plant shrubs or vines within 3’ to the side of, or 12’ in front of, ground-mounted transformer boxes.
Our professionals, both on staff and contractors, have arboriculture certifications and extensive experience specific to the utilities industry. EPB contracts only with Certified Utility Arborists that meet strict specifications. These contractors follow the National Electric Safety Code and ANSI A-300 Guidelines as endorsed by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Protecting a tree from becoming burned or entangled in power lines is actually for the health of the tree in the long run. This, of course, also helps prevent power outages caused by falling trees and branches. In addition, and most important, vines and trees touching lines can be hazardous. We always trim in ways that redirect new growth away from power lines. We trim only enough of a tree to prevent power lines and the public from being endangered. It's possible to prune a tree into various shapes when you prune correctly based on the tree's age and species, and a tree can remain healthy and safe for many years.
We no longer take orders for mulch delivery. However, if you see EPB tree crews working in your neighborhood, they may bring a load of mulch to you if there is adequate access for a big truck.
Constantly! With thousands of miles of power lines across our service area, we must continually prune in order to keep up with tree growth. In fact, even with dozens of crews working every day, it still takes us 5-6 years to complete a single pruning cycle. Therefore, we must prune tree limbs back far enough so they don’t grow into power lines before we have an opportunity to return to your area. If you see a paint mark on your tree or received a notification of upcoming pruning, the work will be performed in the next few months.
Our arborists use lateral pruning methods; cutting tree branches back to the lateral or parent limb. Lateral pruning is healthier for trees because it helps allow the tree's natural defenses to seal the cut and prevent the spread of disease or decay. In addition, we use directional pruning that redirects the growth of the tree away from power lines. These popular pruning methods were developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and approved by the National Arborist Association, the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Metro Tree Ordinance.
We only prune trees that pose a potential hazard to primary power lines. These are typically the highest (and sometimes also the second-highest) lines on a pole. We also prune trees and other vegetation to maintain EPB Fiber Optics lines, and the existing right-of-way. We prune all weak, damaged or dead limbs that hang above conductors. Pruning exceptions include low-growing trees (dogwoods, redbuds, ornamentals) and landscape quality trees less than 6 inches in diameter.
If you have a tree growing directly under power lines, we encourage you to let us remove it. We’ll cut the tree down, grind the smaller limbs, and cut the logs into fireplace lengths – all at no charge. As a property owner, you’re responsible for trees that interfere with service lines that run from a transformer pole to your home. But we’ll be happy to lower your service line to allow your tree contractor to prune and remove foliage, and then reinstall service at no charge.
