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 feet of clearance.
- If no tree line exists (yards, parks, etc.) then the trees are sorted into 1 of 2 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.