Tree trimming frequently asked questions
Tree Trimming
There's a tree too close to my power line. Can you trim it?
If you notice a tree that is dangerously close to overhead lines, please call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com and we'll send out a PSE-certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
For more information, visit our Tree Trimming webpage.
Why does Puget Sound Energy trim trees?
Safety: Falling branches from trees can bring down poles and power lines causing a very dangerous situation on the ground.
Reliability: Even limbs that simply come in contact with power lines can cause a major power outage.
Can I do tree trimming work myself?
No. It is extremely unsafe for you to trim vegetation growing near power lines – even trees that are on your property.
Only specially trained tree trimming professionals should do this work.
Please call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com and we'll send out a certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
Do you charge for trimming or removal?
No. We will not charge you to trim or remove any trees or branches that may cause safety hazards.
If you are asked for money, please call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com.
When will tree crews arrive?
Typically within two to four weeks, although a PSE-certified arborist may appear within a few days to assess the situation.
Will I be notified when PSE crews are pruning trees in my neighborhood?
When tree trimming is necessary, nearby residents will receive a letter from us that includes contact information and the dates the work will be performed.
Will there be interruptions to my electric service while PSE is pruning trees in my area?
No. Routine tree trimming and tree removal should not impact your electrical service.
Why can't PSE place power lines underground instead of pruning?
Simply burying power lines is not as easy or cost-effective as it may sound, especially when you consider:
• All trees and vegetation in the area must be uprooted and removed in order to bury the underground cable.
• Moisture, corrosion and other stresses make buried cable vulnerable to failures.
• Power outages can be dramatically longer because of the time it takes to locate underground faults, dig and complete repairs.
• Underground cables cost many times more than overhead lines.
I live in an area with underground power lines. Does PSE's vegetation management affect me?
Even if tree trimming isn’t a concern in your neighborhood, nearby overhead lines that supply power to your underground lines must be properly maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
What guidelines should I follow when landscaping my property?
• Always call 811 before you dig. This free service helps you avoid potential injury, fines and the disruption of your electric or natural gas service.
• Do not plant trees or bushes, or place fences or rockeries near PSE's green metal transformer boxes. Our crews need safe and easy access to them in case of outages or routine maintenance.
What about tree houses?
If any part of a tree supporting a tree house is within 10 feet of a power line, the risk of electrocution is very high.
Also, make sure that children cannot reach power lines with a pole or any other object.
Call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com if you have any concerns.
Tree trimming frequently asked questions
Tree Trimming
There's a tree too close to my power line. Can you trim it?
If you notice a tree that is dangerously close to overhead lines, please call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com and we'll send out a PSE-certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
For more information, visit our Tree Trimming webpage.
Why does Puget Sound Energy trim trees?
Safety: Falling branches from trees can bring down poles and power lines causing a very dangerous situation on the ground.
Reliability: Even limbs that simply come in contact with power lines can cause a major power outage.
Can I do tree trimming work myself?
No. It is extremely unsafe for you to trim vegetation growing near power lines – even trees that are on your property.
Only specially trained tree trimming professionals should do this work.
Please call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com and we'll send out a certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
Do you charge for trimming or removal?
No. We will not charge you to trim or remove any trees or branches that may cause safety hazards.
If you are asked for money, please call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com.
When will tree crews arrive?
Typically within two to four weeks, although a PSE-certified arborist may appear within a few days to assess the situation.
Will I be notified when PSE crews are pruning trees in my neighborhood?
When tree trimming is necessary, nearby residents will receive a letter from us that includes contact information and the dates the work will be performed.
Will there be interruptions to my electric service while PSE is pruning trees in my area?
No. Routine tree trimming and tree removal should not impact your electrical service.
Why can't PSE place power lines underground instead of pruning?
Simply burying power lines is not as easy or cost-effective as it may sound, especially when you consider:
• All trees and vegetation in the area must be uprooted and removed in order to bury the underground cable.
• Moisture, corrosion and other stresses make buried cable vulnerable to failures.
• Power outages can be dramatically longer because of the time it takes to locate underground faults, dig and complete repairs.
• Underground cables cost many times more than overhead lines.
I live in an area with underground power lines. Does PSE's vegetation management affect me?
Even if tree trimming isn’t a concern in your neighborhood, nearby overhead lines that supply power to your underground lines must be properly maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
What guidelines should I follow when landscaping my property?
• Always call 811 before you dig. This free service helps you avoid potential injury, fines and the disruption of your electric or natural gas service.
• Do not plant trees or bushes, or place fences or rockeries near PSE's green metal transformer boxes. Our crews need safe and easy access to them in case of outages or routine maintenance.
What about tree houses?
If any part of a tree supporting a tree house is within 10 feet of a power line, the risk of electrocution is very high.
Also, make sure that children cannot reach power lines with a pole or any other object.
Call your local arborist or email vegetationmanagement@pse.com if you have any concerns.