Yes. If a tree is located within Rockwood Electric Utility’s (REU) electrical right-of-way, it must be trimmed to maintain safe clearance. The Utility trims all trees to a minimum of fifteen feet from the primary (top) conductors. This results in a typical ground-to-sky right-of-way between 30’ and 40’ depending on whether the power distribution line is single- or three-phase. Trees that overhang the system are trimmed as high as the worker can reach with the equipment on site.
Rockwood Electric Utility contracts only with trained, professional tree companies that meet REU guidelines and specifications.
You may opt to pay an independent contractor to trim your trees to REU specifications prior to our crews trimming in your neighborhood.
In order to continue to provide reliable electrical service to all ratepayers, REU must maintain and protect its facilities within the right-of-way. This means that we trim only trees that are a potential hazard to primary and secondary lines. Service lines that connect from the pole to a residence or business are the responsibility of the owner.
Rockwood Electric Utility’s program is for a four year cycle, which normally achieves necessary clearance.
Trees will be trimmed to a minimum of 15 feet from the primary conductors. Limbs may be cut further back to comply with trim methods. Overhanging limbs will be trimmed as high as possible depending primarily on the reach of mechanical equipment used during trimming operations. Weak, diseased, and dead limbs that may contact the wire are removed. Danger trees which pose a threat to the high voltage lines but are outside the right-of-way are normally removed or trimmed to eliminate the hazard.
In some cases, the tree will look unusual due to the lateral trimming method used. However, after a few months of regrowth, there’s improvement in the appearance. Because the regrowth is directed away from the power line, future trimming is minimized and the process improves after future trim cycles.
During routine trimming all brush and debris, except stumps, will be removed within a couple of days.
Trees pose an ever present threat to the electric system. For that reason, the Utility maintains an active and aggressive, year-round tree trimming program to ensure reliable power. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our contractors carry out this essential maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Method of Trimming:
The Utility uses only “lateral” or “natural” tree trimming methods. In this method, limbs and/or branches will be cut flush with the supporting trunk or limb so that no stub is left. Studies have shown that lateral trimming is much healthier for trees than “topping” or “rounding over” methods. The Utility will not “top” a tree unless it is absolutely necessary. The Utility will not “round” trees.
The National Arbor Day Foundation, International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Care Industry Association, and other professional trade organizations recommend lateral trimming. Although the appearance of the tree can be unusual after the initial trim, the appearance quickly improves with time and growing seasons.
The premises of the property owner will be left as neat as before the trimming. When at all possible, REU will notify property owners of planned trimming prior to the work.
Exceptions: During emergencies, such as when a tree has fallen and caused a power outage, Rockwood Electric Utility may not be able to notify the property owner. The Utility does not perform cleanup of trees that fall during severe weather.
Clearance Distances:
The Utility trims all trees to a minimum of fifteen feet from the primary (top) conductors. This results in a typical ground-to-sky right-of-way between 30’ and 40’ depending on whether the power distribution line is single- or three-phase. Trees that overhang the system are trimmed as high as the worker can reach with the equipment on site. Trees less than 6” diameter are generally removed except for ornamental or low-profile trees that are slow growing and are not a threat to the power system.
Tree Removal:
If a tree is obviously diseased, dying or dead, the Utility will generally remove the tree or trim it to the extent that it no longer is a threat to cause a power outage. The Utility makes every effort to contact the abutting landowner before removal. If the tree is on private property, the Utility will work with the property owner to safely remove the tree. The property owner may be required to perform the clean-up.
If a property owner has a tree that is dangerously close to power lines, the Utility will aid in the removal and/or trimming of that tree. This is done for safety reasons. Persons in this situation should contact the Utility for specific guidance or complete a Tree Removal Request Form.
Limbs on Service Drops:
The Utility does not maintain clearance on service drops. The property owner is responsible for these trees. For your convenience and safety, the Utility will remove a service drop to allow an owner to trim or remove a tree adjacent to it. This service is provided during business hours only for no charge. Please contact the Utility for further information.
References:
“Pruning Trees Near Electric Utility Lines”; A Field Pocket Guide for Qualified Line-Clearance Tree Workers; Dr. Alex Shigo; 1990.
ANSI A300 (Part 1) – 2001 Pruning; “American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Pruning)”
**Rockwood Electric Utility Contractor Prequalification Application for Right-of-Way Maintenance [ view document ]
**Rockwood Electric Utility Specifications and Contract Documents for Power Line Right of Way Clearance and Tree-Trimming; April 2025 [ click here to view and download document ]
*These documents may requires Adobe Reader which which can be downloaded by clicking here.
In order to maintain its objective to provide safe, reliable electric service at affordable rates, Rockwood Electric Utility (REU) has undertaken the application of herbicides to its right of way maintenance program system wide. The goal is to minimize the ever present threat that vegetation poses to the electric system by targeting and eliminating tree growth within the power line right-of-way to allow grasses, wildflowers, and low growing shrubs to take over this area.
