Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.
Why do you have to trim trees?
ComEd is committed to providing customers with safe, reliable electric service. During periods of wet weather, tree branches that contact power lines can cause power outages. These outages may result in risk to the public from downed power lines and the possibility of property damage.
Aside from being inconvenient, power outages also pose a threat to public health and safety. For example, power outages affect those on life support, interrupt service to schools, hospitals, traffic signals, and sewer and water pumping facilities. ComEd's line clearance program is designed to minimize such interruptions and hazards by clearing limbs, trees, vines, and other vegetation away from power lines. By doing this before the vegetation has a chance to damage property, cause power outages, or compromise safety, we can help assure you safe and reliable service.
Can you trim my tree lightly?
The amount of trimming required for line clearance depends on several factors:
- Growth rate characteristics of the species (how fast new branches will grow back)
- Flexibility of the branch nearest the wire (how much the branch will sway in the wind)
- Voltage carried by the line (the hazard presented by branch contact)
Generally, limbs that are growing within 6 to 12 feet of the power lines require removal. Trees trimmed to less than specified clearance requirements would be detrimental to customers serviced by the circuit in question.
Why don't you consider aesthetics when trimming?
Several factors, including aesthetics, are considered when pruning a tree for line clearance. The following is a prioritized list of the factors considered when performing utility line clearance work:
- Safety to the public, landowner, and utility workers
- Service reliability to ComEd customers
- Use of arboriculturally correct pruning techniques
- Aesthetics
Is there an alternative to repeated tree trimming, which sometimes results in a disfigured appearance?
Yes. With the written permission of the property owner, trees may be removed to avoid the need for future periodic trimming. Small "volunteer" trees or trees inappropriately planted too close to lines are good candidates for removal. It is often not economically justifiable to remove large trees.
Will you be shaping my tree in the process of trimming?
No. Shaping tends to be counterproductive to the objective of maintaining effective line clearance. By using the Natural Method of pruning, tree growth is directed away from the power lines.
Why do you trim so much?
ComEd's line clearance program is designed to minimize interruptions and hazards caused by trees. The closer a tree grows to a high voltage line, the greater amount of pruning required to assure safe clearance between the tree and power wires. In order to meet public safety needs, as well as maintain our reliability, proper clearance is necessary.
Will trimming hurt my tree?
Trimming does not harm trees when done in accordance with proper techniques as set forth by the American National Standards Institute, and recommended by the Tree Care Industry Association, International Society of Arboriculture and National Arbor Day Foundation, among others. Pruning or trimming is done not only by utilities, but also by municipalities and highway departments to maintain roadway clearance. Pruning is one of the most important means of maintaining and improving tree health and does not harm trees when basic horticultural principals are followed.
What measures do you follow to protect a tree's health?
Any tree-pruning program, including those carried out by utilities, municipalities, or homeowners, should follow the same basic horticultural principles. ComEd's line clearance contractors adhere to the following approved arboricultural practices:
- Removed branches are cut as close as possible to the branch collar without injury or removal of the collar, which is called Natural Target Pruning. This procedure helps promote wound closure and reduce chances for decay.
- Whenever possible, branches are cut back properly using the 1/3 rule: the branch is cut back to another branch that is at least 1/3 the diameter of the limb to which it is attached.
- Limbs that grow away from the wires are retained, allowing the outside portion of the tree to develop its natural shape. This is known as directional method of line clearance.
- Tree topping and shearing is avoided. Shearing detracts from the natural appearance and promotes decay in branches and the growth of weak, fast-growing water sprouts. These sprouts grow back more quickly and require more frequent pruning.
What qualifications do you have to trim trees?
Special training is required in order to safely work on trees close to electrical conductors. ComEd also requires that line clearance specialists train in proper arboricultural technique processes. The pruning techniques utilized meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute, among others.
Why doesn't ComEd put the lines underground?
ComEd can and does install lines underground. Despite being extremely expensive, and sometimes costing several times more than overhead construction, an underground line is not problem-free for trees. During construction tree roots, which provide support and nutrients for the trees, may be cut. Cutting tree roots can lead to tree decline or death or may cause a tree to uproot in high winds. Future maintenance of underground lines may also cause damage to existing tree roots, landscape plantings, and lawns.
Why can't I trim my own tree or have a private contractor trim it?
Tree trimming near electrical wires can result in injury or death. Only persons trained in the special techniques needed to work safely around energized lines should do so.
Does ComEd plant trees?
Through ComEd's Cooperative Tree Replacement Program, municipalities may be able to receive partial reimbursement for replacement of certain trees growing on municipal property. Communities that include the tree replacement provision in their franchise agreement with ComEd may be able to participate in this program. This is a joint venture between ComEd and the municipality to remove existing municipal trees that require periodic line clearance trimming, and replace them with low growing species that will not require periodic pruning to maintain safe conductor clearance.
ComEd also plants trees during annual Arbor Day celebrations. During 2005, 80 trees were planted in celebration of Arbor Day.
Do you paint cuts?
ComEd's line clearance contractors do not paint trees with wound dressing because treating or painting cuts and wounds with tree-wound dressing is no longer recommended. The latest research indicates that such dressings are primarily cosmetic and do not stop decay. In fact, if applied in a thick coat they can have the opposite effect.
Why do you need to use herbicides?
Herbicides are used to control trees and brush under power lines so trees won't grow into the lines causing interruptions in electrical service, and so the lines remain accessible to maintenance and emergency repair crews. Herbicides control plant tops and roots, suppressing undesirable vegetation longer than periodic pruning. We use herbicides practically and carefully, avoiding gardens, flowers, and other plants important to the property owner.
Are the herbicides used safe?
Herbicides used in ComEd vegetation control programs are extremely safe. These herbicides were scientifically designed, and tested on for years to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards. The U.S. EPA clears these products for use only after determining they will not adversely affect people, animals, or the environment when applied correctly. In fact, herbicides are often used to improve wildlife habitat and promote the growth of endangered plant species.
Are wood chips or firewood available to the public?
Wood from line clearance work is left at the base of the tree. Wood chip pick-up sites can be found below on this web site. Wood chips and firewood are not delivered to homeowners.
Wood Chip Pick-Up
ComEd offers free wood chips for customers at various sites throughout our service territory. Customers must pick up their own chips; please bring containers and tools for personal use. The locations of the sites listed below do not have exact addresses since many of these piles are located in secluded areas.
- Gurnee
Gurnee Mills ComEd ROW (right of way), on south side of Toys R Us, behind Chili's Restaurant.
- Libertyville
1500 Franklin Blvd., Southeast corner of Libertyville office complex - West of Route 45, North of Winchester Road.
- Rockford
South of West State Street on South Central Ave., Rockford Forestry Department (follow signs) can be contacted at (815) 987-5770.