Why is it necessary to trim trees?
The PUD is currently in the process of trimming and pruning trees within the right-of-way. This includes trees and shrubs that are interfering with overhead conductors (power lines) and/or pad-mounted transformers that are a hazard to PUD infrastructure.
To provide SAFE and RELIABLE electricity service to our ratepayers, we seek to provide a minimum of 10' to 15’ (depends on line voltage and type of tree) clearance from overhead conductors. In some cases, trees will be trimmed heavily.
Where feasible and necessary, we will seek to remove fast-growing or hazardous trees from under powerlines. Tree removal candidates include the following:
- Fast-growing trees that interfere with primary conductors.
- Deciduous trees that require excessive trimming.
- Dead, dying, diseased or defective trees have a high probability of falling and contacting primary conductors.
- Trees with tree houses or climbable trees in close proximity to transmission or primary conductors at or near homes, schools, parks, or any other locations where people frequently visit.
- Naturally seeded trees or smaller trees that will eventually interfere with primary conductors.
Considering these conditions, trimming these trees and allowing them to remain within the ROW or in hazard areas under/adjacent to overhead conductors is not cost effective. The utility will make site specific decisions regarding the treatment or removal of these trees. Trees that are determined to be defective or damaged under these guidelines are candidates for removal under PUD trimming/removal guidelines. No trees will be removed without written landowner permission.
Only customers who have trees removed by the Asplundh crews or PUD crews qualify for our Tree Replacement Program. () The PUD will make a responsible effort to notify the landowner if their trees will require trimming with large V-trim or side trim cuts. The PUD does reserve the right to trim these trees if they pose a hazard to overhead conductors. See Replacement Program details here.
All wood will be removed from the site unless otherwise specified by the owner. Asplundh Tree Experts use modern arboriculture methods to trim trees. They include:
- Techniques consistent with the practice of natural, lateral, and drop-crotch trimming shall be utilized
- Cuts are made back to a main stem or branch of sufficient size.
- All trimming cuts shall be made to direct future growth sprouting away from conductors.
- Conifers should be trimmed in a manner that allows them to retain as much of their natural shape as possible.
- All dead branches overhanging primary conductors at any height shall be removed.
- Where practical, cuts should be primarily restricted to large diameter branches made well within the crown.
- Remove living branches by making cuts as close as possible to the branch collar. Remove dead branches by making cuts as close as possible to the living tissue remaining at the base of the branch.
- Avoid stripping or tearing of bark when cutting large limbs.
- Hazard Tree Description
- Specific Cuts / Methods
- Tree Replacement Program
(509) 422-8435 or email nickc@okpud.org
For questions or comments on any of our Right of Way Clearance and Tree Trimming Programs please contact Right-of-Way Superintendent Nick Christoph at