Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here, or if you’d like more information, please contact us at (906)449-2013
It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep trees trimmed. Safe and reliable electric service is threatened in part by trees growing into electric lines. When electric lines come in contact with trees, problems can occur, such as power outages, fire hazards and safety hazards.
The amount of tree pruning needed depends on the species of tree, location relative to the conductors, and voltage of the conductors near the tree. The amount of trimming needed for an individual tree will be assessed by trained line clearance specialists. Most trees along primary electrical lines will be trimmed to 10’ of clearance.
- If no tree line exists (yards, parks, etc.) then the trees are sorted into one of two categories: slow growing and fast growing.
Trees species that re-grow their branches at a slow rate are pruned in order to provide a clearance of at least 6 feet from conductors. Examples of “slow growing” species include members of the conifer family and many fruit-bearing trees. - Tree species that re-grow their branches at faster rates are pruned to give a minimum clearance of 10 feet from conductors. Common “fast growing” trees are ash, aspen, basswood, birch, elm, maple, oak, willow and white pine.
All limbs that overhang our conductors are pruned in order to provide 20 feet of clearance.
Coated secondary wires and service wires are cleared only if trees or limbs are causing significant deviation to the service wire.
In rural areas, limbs and brush smaller than 4 inches in diameter are piled and left on site or chipped and blown onto the right of way. In urban areas, the limbs are chipped and hauled away. Wood larger than 4 inches in diameter is left on site in both urban and rural areas. We work with each customer to determine appropriate placement of the wood left behind.
In rural areas, limbs and brush smaller than 4 inches in diameter are piled and left on site. In urban areas, the limbs are chipped and hauled away. Wood larger than 4 inches in diameter is left on site at firewood length at the base of the tree in both urban and rural areas.
The contractors use best practices to minimize damage to property. If damage is caused by the contractor, the contractor will pay for the cost to return your property to its original condition.
"Off right of way" trees are assessed on a case by case basis. If it is deemed necessary to remove a tree to preserve the integrity of the conductors, a line clearance specialist will work with you to coordinate removal. In cases of a diseased or dead tree, all woody material will be left on site in order to minimize the risk of spreading harmful insects or pathogens.
You will receive a letter well in advance informing you that crews will be trimming trees in your area.
The Contractor will make a reasonable attempt to contact the landowner a minimum of 24 hours before working on their property. This contact may be in the form of a written notice delivered to the landowner’s residence, a telephone call, or an in-person contact.
The Contractor will also make a reasonable effort to accommodate a landowner’s desire to be present when work is done on his or her property. Emergency repairs do not need to meet the notification requirement.
Call UPPCO at (906) 449-2013. A representative will direct you to the right person to answer your question.
Underground electric lines, though unseen, require space of their own. Planting shrubs and trees over underground lines is not recommended because of future maintenance that will be needed on these lines.
A 10-foot-wide strip centered directly over an underground line will provide enough space for future maintenance. Transformers located on the ground (which convert high electric voltage to a voltage usable by your household) also require extra space for maintenance. Leave an area of 8 feet in the front (the side marked with the DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE sign) to be free of vines, shrubs, and trees.
View our Vegetation Management page for information on the best trees to plant for the space and conditions you are working with.
