Tree Trimming

AEC Tree Trimming Policies & Rights-of-Way Procedures

Benefits of Rights-of-way management by Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC):

Proper pruning reduces line clearance costs
“Right tree, right place” plantings improve rights-of-way management
Meeting Tree Line USA requirements increases public exposure, resulting in community tree planting and public education
Increased canopy and tree placement lower peak energy demand
Properly pruned and maintained trees enhance service reliability
AEC can collaborate with other groups for urban forest management
More trees absorb carbon dioxide from fossil fuel power plants

AEC Tree Trimming Policies & Rights-of-Way Procedures

Benefits of Rights-of-way management by Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC):

Every day, communities across America rely on safe, reliable electric service for homes, businesses, and public buildings, all while preserving and enhancing the urban forest.
The TreeLine USA® program acknowledges best practices in public and private utility arboriculture, illustrating the coexistence of trees and utilities for the benefit of communities and citizens.
The Arbor Day Foundation collaborates with the National Association of State Foresters on this initiative. These state foresters bring expertise in balancing the demands of expanding utility needs in our communities alongside the benefits of providing adequate care for our urban forests.

Five Core Standards

Quality Tree Care

Industry standards for pruning, planting, removals, trenching, and tunneling near trees are consistently followed.

Quality Tree Care

Annual Worker Training

Utility employees and contract workers are trained at least annually in best practices.

Tree Planting & Public Education

Tree planting and public education programs are available to the public and paying customers, demonstrating proper tree planting, placement, and pruning while expanding the tree canopy in the community.

Tree Planting and Public Education

Tree-Based Energy Conservation Program

A formal tree-based energy conservation program is in place, putting special consideration on the value of trees in conserving energy.

Tree-Based Energy Conservation Program

Arbor Day Celebration

Sponsorship of or participation in annual Arbor Day events at the community level are documented, including collaboration with community groups whenever possible.

Arbor Day Celebration

Tree Planting Tips

Call Before You Dig
Several days before planting, call the national 811 hotline to have underground utilities located.
Handle with Care
Always lift tree by the root ball. Keep roots moist until planting.
Digging a Proper Hole
Dig 2 to 5 times wider than the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides to allow for proper root growth.
Planting Depth
The trunk flare should sit slightly above ground level and the top-most roots should be buried 1 to 2 inches.
Filling the Hole
Backfill with native soil unless it’s all clay. Tamp in soil gently to fill large air spaces.
Mulch
Allow 1 to 2 inch clearance between the trunk and the mulch. Mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep.
Plant taller trees away from overhead utility lines
Small trees can be next to the pole if they are 25 feet or less. Trees like
Redbud
Dogwood
Crabapple
Plant taller trees away from overhead utility lines
Medium trees with a height of 40 feet or less should 20 feet away from a utility pole. Trees like
Washington Hawthorne
Golden Raintree

Old Method – Tree Topping

The old method of tree topping is no longer recommended by horticulturists and other professionals in the field, such as the:
  • National Arbor Day Foundation
  • International Society of Arboriculture
  • National Arborist Association
Tree topping or “rounding over” can lead to decay, disease, insects, fungi, and may threaten the life of the tree.
  • Weakened trees are more likely to break during wind, ice, and snow storms.

Current Method – Lateral Trimming

Lateral, or natural trimming is the method used by line crews in most utilities
  • Lateral trimming is utilized by AEC
The name “lateral” is derived from the method of cutting branches back to natural strong points on the tree, such as the juncture of the trunk and major limbs.
The name “lateral” is derived from the method of cutting branches back to natural strong points on the tree, such as the juncture of the trunk and major limbs.
Re-growth occurs with lateral trimming; however, branches tend to grow away from power lines and profuse sprouting of new limbs into power lines is avoided