To download: Click the folder with a down arrow icon. To print: Click the printer icon in the top right of the display.
If you need multiple copies for an organization or group, please contact a member of our outreach team.
In most cases, trees and other vegetation are planted for several reasons including aesthetics, sound or erosion control, providing shade, or bringing wildlife to a yard.
Electric utilities are allowed to cut back branches and limbs or even entire trees that are in a utility right-of-way and have the potential to damage utility lines and interrupt services. Many of the requirements electric utilities must follow are included in the vegetation management plans each company is required to develop and submit to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
The following are frequently asked questions that consumers often have about Ohio utilities and tree trimming:
Electric utilities are required to maintain the reliability and safety of their system, which is partly done by keeping tree branches away from their power lines, including those lines that are located on a consumers’ property.
Ohio electric companies often hire professional tree trimmers to help remove branches that may interfere with the power lines.
When trimming, the electric companies or their contractors attempt to cut trees in ways that reduce stress and ensure the smallest possibility of disease for the tree. Typically, tree trimmers use standards by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Depending on how the power lines are used, trimming will usually involve removing branches to allow several feet of clearance around a power line. This policy follows federal health and safety guidelines that help protect tree trimmers that are not certified to work closely with power lines.
Consumers may be notified when tree trimming will occur in their area. The notices, usually hung on the door or mailed, include a telephone number to call with questions. Depending on the company, the notice can be anywhere from two or more days prior to the trimming. Notice does not have to be given and this procedure does not apply to emergency trimming performed in an effort to restore service after a storm.
Consumers also should be aware that trees are considered a homeowner’s property. If tree trimming is planned, consumers may have to make arrangements for the removal of limbs and other debris at their own expense.
The following are steps you can take to help avoid the electric company trimming trees in your yard:
Customers should call the tree trimming service or the electric utility prior to the trimming to get information about the work to be done and express their concerns. If the customer is not satisfied with the information received, they should contact the PUCO at 1-800-686-7826.
Yes, utility representatives or contractors may enter property to trim any branches that are touching or are close to power lines. It is necessary to enter private property so that the reliability of the power system is maintained and outages are avoided. Utility companies have this right through an “easement.” An easement is essentially permission for the utility to maintain its power lines on a customer’s property. Easements are filed with the County Recorder’s office and copies are typically kept on file at the utility.
People need to be aware when choosing trees and other plants for their yards that certain types should not be planted under or near overhead power lines.
It is a good idea to take pictures of trees near power lines before the trimming and to get in writing the trimming that will be done. Most tree trimmers will try to work with customers regarding their concerns with trimming when possible.
If there is a certain way you prefer your tree to be shaped, you can personally trim all trees on your own property. This should be done carefully to avoid personal injury or damage to the utility lines. Check with your local utility for their requirements regarding the distance between power lines and branches.
The utility companies do not trim vegetation that follows the path of your drop line. The drop line is the line that runs from the main line to your house. Any interference along this line is the property-owners responsibility. Always call 8-1-1 before digging in your yard to avoid buried utility lines.
By law, everyone MUST contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service, 8-1-1 or 1-800-362-2764 or www.oups.org, at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning ANY digging project.
Zone 1 trees (maximum height of 25 feet)
Zone 2 trees (maximum height of 40 feet)
Zone 3 trees (maximum height of 80 feet)
For additional information, visit your electric company’s website or call toll free at one of the numbers below:
AEP Ohio
1-800-672-2231
AES Ohio (formerly Dayton Power and Light)
1-800-433-8500
Cleveland Electric Illuminating
1-800-589-3101
Duke Energy Ohio
1-800-544-6900
Ohio Edison
1-800-633-4766
Toledo Edison
1-800-447-3333
To file a complaint about utility-based tree trimming, contact the PUCO at 1-800-686-7826.
To download: Click the folder with a down arrow icon. To print: Click the printer icon in the top right of the display.
If you need multiple copies for an organization or group, please contact a member of our outreach team.