Vegetation Management
Keeping trees and vegetation safely away from power lines is one of the most important steps UPPCO takes to deliver safe, reliable electric service. Our vegetation management program is an investment in reliability — by proactively maintaining our rights-of-way, we help ensure that the power you depend on is there when you need it most. Regular trimming and right-of-way clearing reduce the risk of outages, improve safety for our crews and communities, and support the long-term health of Michigan’s forests and natural landscapes.
What to Expect: Our Four-Step Process
When vegetation management work is planned in your area, we want you to know what to expect. Here’s how our process works:
1. Notification
Before any work begins, customers in designated areas receive an advance notice explaining that vegetation management is planned in their vicinity.
2. Personal Contact
Contracted tree crews attempt direct contact with property owners when trimming or removal is expected on or near their property. If they cannot connect in person, they leave a doorcard outlining the planned work and a phone number for questions.
3. Work Completion
Certified line-clearance arborists carry out the required work safely and efficiently, following established industry practices and environmental guidelines throughout the process.
4. Quality Control
Once the work is finished, UPPCO performs follow-up inspections and audits to verify that all vegetation management activities meet our established safety and quality standards.
Service Lines to Your Home
UPPCO’s vegetation management program focuses on trees and vegetation near main distribution lines — the lines that bring power throughout our communities.
However, the service drop that connects our main line to your home or business is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain. If you have concerns about trees near your service line:
- Never attempt to prune or remove trees near energized lines yourself.
- You may hire a qualified tree contractor to perform this work safely. UPPCO can temporarily disconnect power at no charge to allow your contractor to work safely — call our customer service team to coordinate.
- For more information or assistance identifying a licensed arborist, visit the treesaregood.org/findanarborist.
Responsible Herbicide Use
To help control incompatible vegetation — especially in areas where mechanical trimming isn’t practical — UPPCO uses a targeted herbicide program as part of our integrated vegetation management strategy.
This balanced approach reduces regrowth, limits the need for more disruptive trimming, and helps maintain long-term right-of-way health. Our approach prioritizes:
- Selective application to control brush and promote low-growing, native species that support pollinators and wildlife.
- Licensed applicators who follow all state and federal regulations for safety and environmental protection.
- Respect for environmental and community boundaries. UPPCO does not apply herbicides in wetlands, in areas governed by no-spray ordinances, or on properties where customers request non-application.
Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place
Many power line conflicts can be prevented before they start. Choosing the right tree — and planting it in the right location — helps protect electric reliability, keeps maintenance needs low, and ensures your landscaping remains safe and beautiful for years to come.
When planning your next planting, consider how tall the tree will grow at maturity and how far it should be from overhead power lines:
Trees with a mature height of 14 feet or less: Safe to plant within 20 feet of overhead power lines.
Trees with a mature height of up to 40 feet: Plant at least 20 feet away from overhead power lines.
Tall trees that are 40 feet or more at maturity: Plant at least 45 feet away from overhead power lines.
Before you dig, always call MISS DIG by dialing 8-1-1 to ensure there are no underground utilities before you plant. For more guidance on proper tree selection and placement, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Our Vegetation Management Cycle
UPPCO maintains more than 4,450 miles of electric distribution lines across 10 counties in the Upper Peninsula. To keep lines clear and minimize service interruptions, we operate on a six-year trimming cycle, meaning every area is revisited for routine maintenance approximately once every six years.
Our contracted crews focus on identifying and addressing vegetation that could pose a risk to our electric system before it becomes a problem. Trees growing too close to power lines are pruned or removed based on safety standards, growth rates, and species type.
Safety First
If you notice a tree or branch on an UPPCO power line:
- Stay at least 35 feet away and assume the line is energized.
- Never attempt to remove it yourself.
- Call UPPCO or 9-1-1 immediately if there’s a safety hazard such as sparking or a downed line.
Your safety is our top priority. By working together, we can keep our lights on and our communities safe.
