Your Trimming

Only our certified line clearance arborists can work near power lines. Neither you nor anyone you contract should attempt this work. Our primary concern is safety.

If you need to remove a tree or part of a tree that is close to power lines, please contact us, and we will determine if it is safe for you or your contractor.

Observe the 10-foot Rule
If you want to remove a tree or any part of it that is closer than 10 feet to a power line, always call us (800) 242-9137. This notification is required by state law and helps keep you safe. Violators may be subject to fine and negligence.

When you contact us, we will visit your site and inspect the line at no charge and determine if is safe for you to proceed, or we may determine that we need to assist you by making it safe for you to complete your work.

Making Tree Work Safe  

• Service Lines: Homeowners are responsible for trimming trees to prevent them from growing into service lines. These wires are more resistant to tree contact and only need attention if branches prevent the wire from hanging freely. Before you or your contractor trim or remove trees close to service lines (pole-to-home wires), call (800) 242-9137 to ask us to turn off power. We turn off electricity temporarily and restore it when your work is complete -- at no charge.  

• Primary Lines: Primary lines (pole-to-pole wires) cannot be removed from service temporarily because they serve many customers. In these cases, we have Asplundh, our tree trimming contractor, trim your tree only to make it safe. (View example.) Once safe, our work stops, and you or your contractor take over. Note: Our make-safe work can generate large amounts of wood and brush. (View examples.) You should plan for handling this material when you take over the remainder of the work. We recommend that our trimming be scheduled in close coordination with yours to minimize the time that the brush and wood remain on your property.  

• Telephone and Cable Lines: Telephone companies and cable companies maintain their lines even when they are on our poles. Please contact your telephone or cable company for tree conflicts or assistance with phone and cable wires.

Contracting Your Tree Trimming or Removal Work
We recommend use of professionals for extensive tree trimming and tree removal. When you contract a tree service, check its topping policy and whether the contractor is certified. If the contractor recommends topping, consider getting a second opinion. Check for certification with respective organizations in Wisconsin, Michigan or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Additional Resources

• Choosing an Arborist – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources guidelines.
• Why Topping Hurts Trees – ISA information about this harmful practice.