Trees & Power Lines FAQs

Content Query

What is PECO's objective to repeatedly pruning trees?

PECO is committed to providing customers with reliable electric service. Tree branches that contact power lines can cause interruptions to power supply. These interruptions, aside from being inconvenient, also pose a threat to public health and safety. For example, power supply interruptions affect those on life support, and may disrupt schools, hospitals, traffic signals, and sewer and water pumping facilities.

Vegetation Management's program is designed to minimize such service interruptions by clearing limbs, trees, vines, and other vegetation away from power lines. By doing this before the vegetation has a chance to cause power supply interruptions, we can help assure you reliable electric service.

Why don't you consider aesthetics when pruning trees?

PECO follows the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard A300, part 1, when pruning trees. Several factors are considered when pruning a tree for line clearance. The following is a prioritized list of the factors considered when performing utility line clearance work:

Service reliability to PECO customers.
Use of correct pruning techniques (ANSI Standards).
Type of PECO facility and construction.

Can you prune my tree lightly?

In general, smaller or slower growing trees will require less pruning than faster of taller growing trees. PECO encourages customers to “Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place”, to minimize conflicts with electrical facilities. The amount of pruning required for line clearance depends on several factors:

Growth rate characteristics of the species (how fast new branches will grow back).
Flexibility of the branch nearest the wire (how much the branch will sway in the wind)
Voltage carried by the line (the hazard presented by branch contact).

Does PECO maintain vegetation for telephone and cable television lines?

No. However, you can contact your local communication provider for further information.

What qualifications do you have to prune trees?

PECO vegetation management crews are specially trained, according to OSHA Regulations and ANSI Standards, in order to safely work on trees close to electrical conductors.

PECO also requires that line clearance specialists be trained in proper arboricultural pruning techniques, which follow the professional standards (ANSI Standard A300, part 1), and the best management practices published by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Is there an alternative to repeated tree pruning, which sometimes results in a disfigured appearance?

Yes. The property owner may want to have trees removed to avoid the need for future periodic pruning. Small "volunteer" trees or trees inappropriately planted too close to lines are good candidates for removal. PECO will be happy to review possible candidates on a case by case basis.

Do you paint open pruning cuts?

PECO's contract crews do not use commercial tree paint products because these are no longer recommended in the arboriculture industry. The latest research indicates that such dressings are primarily cosmetic and do not stop decay.

Why do you prune the trees back so far?

PECO's vegetation management program is designed to minimize interruptions to electrical supply. The closer a tree grows to a high voltage line, the greater amount of pruning required to maintain a minimum clearance between the tree and the power wires. The amount of pruning required varies based on line voltage, line construction, and tree species.

Does PECO Plant Trees?

PECO participates in National Arbor Day tree planting events each year.

PECO - An Exelon Company

Trees & Power Lines FAQs

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