Fact Sheet: Tree Trimming Near Power Lines
Why does AES trim trees near power lines?
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) requires AES Ohio (AES) to inspect and clear at least 20% of their power lines annually. This is critical to maintain reliable and safe electric power.
How much will be trimmed or cut?
Federal OSHA standards require 10 feet of line clearance. However, that is a minimum standard and does not mean that only 10 feet of material will be trimmed. Trimming is species-specific, taking into account the growth rate of trees and the length of time before trimmers will return to the same area. Typically, limbs and branches will be trimmed to allow at least 12-14 feet of clearance on all sides of power lines. Poles are also cleared from the ground up.
Does AES trim along service drops?
No. Service drops, which are the wire(s) connecting your home to a AES distribution line, are considered the homeowner’s responsibility and are not part of AES’s line clearance program.
Who does the trimming? What standards do they follow?
AES usually hires private contractors to conduct routine tree trimming. Fitzwater Tree & Lawn Care is currently one of those contractors. Whether trimming is performed by AES or a contractor, they generally follow standards developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
How will I know where tree trimming is scheduled to take place?
Work areas may include power lines within public rights-of-way and on private property. The city of Oakwood monitors trimming within public rights-of-way, but has no power to monitor trimming on private property.
- Public rights-of-way: Oakwood’s City Ordinances require that AES obtain an annual permit to trim trees within public rights-of-way (streets, alleys, sidewalks, tree lawn areas, etc.). The permit requires AES to inform the city of work areas in public rights-of-way.
- Private property: When work is planned on private property, AES or their private contractor should provide notice to each affected property owner at least 2 days in advance. Notices are usually hung on the door or mailed, and include contractor contact information. The city is not informed of work areas on private property.
Are tree trimmers allowed to enter my property?
Power lines on private property are usually located in utility easement areas, which gives AES or their contractors the right to enter and maintain those lines. Utility easements are filed with the