KU Residential Service Center

Tree Trimming

We're pruning trees to provide safe and reliable electric service

Tree trimmer with power saw We recognize that trees can add beauty and comfort to your home, and we want to help you preserve the beauty and aesthetics of your trees whenever possible. However, there are times when it is necessary for us to visit your area to trim trees that have grown too close to overhead electric power lines. The tree can pose a potential hazard to anyone working on it or climbing in it if the tree were to come into contact with a high-voltage power line. In addition, downed trees and limbs are a leading cause of power outages in our area.

Trees are trimmed along primary transmission and distribution lines on a four- or five-year cycle; we have permission to trim trees in the communities we serve through franchise and easement agreements we have established with the communities. Our tree trimming crews follow approved standards designed to preserve the health of the trees.

We spend millions of dollars every year trimming trees away from power lines in the communities we serve so you can continue to receive the safe, reliable electric service you deserve.

Right Tree in the Right Place

One way customers can help is by planting appropriately sized species of trees that are positioned so that they do not come in contact with power lines. The video below explains planting the "Right Tree in the Right Place."

Before selecting a tree for your yard, consult our brochure to ensure you're planting the "Right Tree in the Right Place."

» Right Tree in the Right Place (PDF, 357k)

Tree Trimming FAQs

Why do KU and ODP trim trees?

Downed trees and limbs that have grown too close to overhead power lines are dangerous. In addition, they are the leading cause of power outages in our area. Trees that come into contact with high-voltage power lines pose a risk to anyone climbing or trimming the tree. Tree trimming also ensures safe and reliable electric service to the communities we serve.

What type of trimming techniques do KU and ODP crews use?

Your trees will be pruned by experienced professionals, and the work will be supervised by KU's Certified Arborists. Branches that grow toward the power lines are pruned at places where the branches join with the trunk or with the parent branch. This method, referred to as "natural target pruning" requires pruning cuts to be made along the same natural lines where a tree would normally shed a branch. With this method, tree growth is directed away from power lines. It also reduces resprouting and minimizes suckering while encouraging the remaining tree to grow naturally.

Correct Pruning Cuts

How often do KU and ODP trim?

Our crews trim trees on a four- to five-year trimming cycle. For more information, please consult our It's Time to Trim the Trees brochure.

How is it that KU and ODP can trim trees on my property without my permission?

We have been granted permission through franchise and easement agreements with the communities we serve. Keep in mind, it is not our goal to trim more than what is necessary. We are concerned with trimming any growth that has come into contact (or potentially could come into contact) with our overhead power lines.

Do KU and ODP remove trees if the property owner requests it?

We occasionally find trees that seriously threaten our power lines and, thus, our ability to provide safe and reliable service to our customers. These trees, which may be within or outside of the right-of-way, may be diseased, weak, dying, leaning or damaged. In these instances, removal of the tree is often the best solution.

While it is the ultimate responsibility of the property owner to maintain the trees on their property, evaluating the seriousness of some of the common defects can be difficult. This is best done by a professional arborist. That's why our professional arborists routinely inspect trees along our power lines. They work to educate customers when they identify a hazardous tree where removal is the best option.

Removal is preferred when trees that are in close proximity to our power lines require extensive pruning that would dramatically alter the tree's normal appearance. Other candidates for removal are volunteer saplings that grow under power lines. These weed trees have no room for future, natural development.

Removal of a tree is done on a case by case basis. Rest assured we will not remove a tree without written permission from the property owner. The only exception is during an emergency situation when the tree poses an immediate threat and the property owner cannot be reached.

What action does KU and ODP suggest I take if I have a tree that is coming into contact with my low voltage service line that enters my home or business?

KU and ODP do not trim limbs that are growing into the lower-voltage service lines that enter your home or business. Customers are advised to contact a professional tree trimming or removal service. Before allowing the tree trimming crew to begin the work, contact us so we can safely drop the service line or turn off your service.

Who is responsible for removing the storm debris from fallen trees or limbs?

Our primary objective after a storm is to restore service to our customers. Our tree trimming crews do not remove debris from fallen trees or broken limbs on the customer's — or adjoining — property as a result of power restoration efforts.

Do KU and ODP offer wood chips to their customers?

KU and ODP offers free wood chip mulch, which is ideal for pathways and established woody plantings. The mulch is available only in dumptruck-load quantities (about two and a half tons). It is not recommended for annuals, perennials or vegetables until it has aged for several months. Contact our Customer Service Department if you want more information about our woodchip mulch giveaway program.