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Trimming Near Electrical Lines
Trimming trees that touch or are near electric lines is dangerous work that is best left to professionals. Please contact the Electric Office at (630) 377-4407 or by email at pcordts@stcharlesil.gov to request trimming of trees or shrubs near electric lines. Branches that have fallen into precarious locations on or near electric lines during storms may be reported after hours to (630) 443-3681.
Trees are Trimmed for the Safety of Our Public and the Health of Our Trees.
The City hires qualified tree specialists to regularly maintain the power line corridors throughout the community. The specialists are knowledgeable about the proper way to prune trees, and they use equipment specially designed for work near electric lines. The species of tree, structure and strength of wood are considered when trees are pruned for the appropriate clearance.
The extent of tree pruning needed depends on the voltage of the electric lines and where the lines are located. Generally, overhanging branches are removed to a height of 20 feet above conductors on overhead electric poles. Fast-growing species are trimmed to allow for a 10-foot radius around the outermost reach of the pole. Slow-growing species are trimmed to a 6-foot radius. Secondary, service and streetlight wires are cleared only if trees are pushing them up, down or out. These clearances are based on several factors, including the minimum safe working distance for a tree worker, how much trees sway in high winds, the ability of limbs to break and fall on lines, and varying growth rates of trees. The goal is to get enough clearance to withstand normal seasonal weather conditions to avoid frequent outages and ensure the safety of people and homes.
To prevent the need for tree pruning or removal near power lines, the
St. Charles Municipal Electric Utility recommends avoiding areas near
power lines when you are planting trees or selecting dwarf species that
have maximum heights lower than overhead electric lines. Most importantly,
before planting or digging anywhere near utility easement, call
JULIE at 800-892-0123 to locate underground electric and other
utility lines.
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