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A: We keep our lines clear of branches and other vegetation to prevent them from interfering with our electric power lines and equipment. When tree branches contact power lines, they can cause an outage.
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A: Our crews work year-round to keep utility lines clear. PSE's vegetation management strategy is based on consistent, planned clearing cycles, which vary depending on the area's need and the type of electrical facility PSE is protecting. Typically, the higher voltage transmission lines are scheduled for clearing on three-year cycles, while our crews clear along lower voltage distribution lines on four and six year cycles.
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A: We trim trees that are, or soon will encroach on PSE's power lines. Certified arborists assess the tree's growth rate, limb configuration and its location in relation to the power line. They also take into consideration the historical impact of wind storms in a particular area and the type of facility involved.
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A. About two to four weeks after you receive a letter from PSE. However, this can vary depending on the length of the electrical circuit along which you live.
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A: An injury to a tree does place the tree under stress, but there are techniques for limiting the risks. For example, our crews use a technique called "directional pruning," which does not interfere with the tree's ability to seal wounds, allowing the tree's natural defense system to discourage pests and decay. This technique follows the recommendation of the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture.
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A: Yes. They respond to customer inquiries about threatening trees, and they patrol the lines before tree work begins.
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A: No. Routine tree trimming and tree removal should not impact your electrical service.
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A: It is unsafe to prune vegetation growing in the vicinity of overhead power lines. Only specially-trained tree trimming professionals should do this work.
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A: No. All work is done at no cost to the customer or property owner. If you are asked for money, please contact us at 1.888.225.5773 and be aware that all of our staff and contractors should have photo identification.
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A: If our inspectors identify the need for tree trimming or removal, customers are notified. However, permission is not required, because state law mandates that we maintain our lines and keep them safe and hazard-free. If you have questions, call PSE at 1.888.225.5773.
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A: PSE is legally required to maintain our facilities. Utility franchises, easements and rights-of-way are often conveyed in the deed to the property. In addition, as a condition to electric service to your home, you must allow PSE to have access to your property for maintenance at all reasonable times. This means we do have right to access our facilities, as necessary, to properly maintain our facilities.
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A: Before trimming begins, a certified arborist patrols the area to identify needs and concerns. Nearby residents then receive a letter from PSE notifying them of our plans and providing a contact should customers have questions. Usually a crew from Asplundh, our tree-service contractor, performs the work within two to four weeks, though they can appear within just a few days or after several weeks depending on the length of the circuit.
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A: Approximately 50 percent of PSE's distribution power lines, which serve neighborhoods, are buried underground. Due to the long-distance reach of transmission lines, which bring power supplies from generating sources to our region, the majority of PSE's transmission lines are overhead
Due to their complexity, underground transmission lines are custom-made, which significantly increases the costs to customers for their design, installation and maintenance. There are significant challenges associated with undergrounding high-voltage lines. For example, all trees and vegetation must be removed in order to bury the underground cable; outage durations can dramatically increase because it can take much longer (days and weeks v. hours and days) to locate an outage and complete repairs; and underground transmission cables cost many times more than overhead lines.
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A: Even if we do not need to trim trees in your immediate area, nearby overhead lines that feed your underground lines must be properly maintained in order to ensure safety and reliability. So, vegetation management benefits you even if you aren't directly impacted by our work.
But there are other precautions you should take, even if you do not have a nearby power line. For example, always call 8-1-1 before you dig. This free service for homeowners who are planning any digging, trenching, drilling, grading or excavating will notify PSE and other utilities to mark the location of all underground facilities free of charge.
Finally, it is important that you not plant trees or bushes, or place fences or rockeries near PSE's green metal transformer boxes protecting electrical equipment. Our line crews need to have safe and easy access to them in case of outages or for routine maintenance.
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A: If any part of a tree supporting a tree house is within 10 feet of a power line, it is too close, and the risk of electrocution is very high. Make sure that children cannot reach the lines with a pole or any other object. If you have any concerns, call PSE at 1.888.225.5773.
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A: Our book "Planning Trees: A tree selection guide for planning near power lines" provides guidelines for how to plant the right tree in the right place. You'll learn about site evaluation, tree selection, how to plant and long-term care. The book includes a thorough description of a variety of species suitable for planting near power lines.
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A: If you notice a tree that looks dangerously close to overhead power lines, please call us at 1.888.225.5773 so that we can send a certified arborist to investigate. Also, please be cooperative with our vegetation management inspectors and the tree crews, and provide access to the area they're working on. They also appreciate having animals restrained so that they can work without interruption.
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