Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PPL trim trees?

Taller species of trees permitted to grow under power lines will eventually contact the wires, causing service interruptions and unsafe conditions. It is necessary for PPL Electric Utilities to trim these trees to continue safe and reliable electric service.

Is trimming bad for the tree?

PPL Electric Utilities uses a widely accepted tree maintenance practice known as directional pruning, which removes only the branches growing toward power lines. Remaining branches are left to grow naturally. Trees retain more of their natural shape and spacing. And because less of the live crown is removed, trees are not put under as much stress. The National Arbor Day Foundation and other tree care groups endorse directional pruning as better for tree health. This method also follows the nationally recognized Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI A300).

How will my tree be trimmed?

With directional pruning, entire branches under, over or beside power lines will be pruned back to the main trunk or another large branch. As a result, trees growing directly under or beside power lines may have a "V" or "L" appearance when you look directly down the power line. Conifers, which typically lack large side branches, will be pruned to give them a hedge-like appearance.

Can I prune the trees myself?

Do not attempt to prune or remove trees near power lines. Contact with a power line can cause serious injury or death. Tree contractors that work for PPL Electric Utilities have special training. PPL Electric Utilities does not prune or remove trees around the service wire that runs from the pole to your home. We will shut off the power and lower the wire to the ground so you can do the job safely. If you, or a contractor working for you, plan to remove a tree that is growing within 10 feet of a primary power line, please call PPL Electric Utilities. We will have a qualified contractor prune the tree so you can proceed safely. Both of these services are free for residential customers. We request that you call PPL Electric Utilities at least three working days in advance at 1-800-342-5775 (1-800 DIAL PPL).

Will PPL clean up the trimmed branches?

In populated areas, tree crews will chip and dispose of most small limbs. In unpopulated areas, branches will be left for wildlife cover. Larger limbs will be cut into handling lengths and piled at the base of the tree for the property owner’s use as firewood. The crew foreman will try to grant requests for wood chips.

What kinds of trees can I plant near power lines?

If you plan to plant or replace a tree, pay close attention to where and what you plant. When choosing a spot to plant a tree, make sure it will have plenty of room for its mature height and shape. Selecting a tree that won’t grow into power lines will make your property safer and more attractive and help prevent power outages. For more on this topic, click here. And remember: State law requires you to call Pennsylvania One Call at 1-800-242-1776 at least three days before you dig so that utilities can mark the location of underground cables and pipelines.

Why does PPL Electric Utilities use herbicides on its rights of way?

PPL Electric Utilities uses herbicides in careful combination with natural, biological controls to maintain the vegetation in our rights of way. Only trees that will grow tall enough to interfere with the overhead power lines are treated. To better target these trees, all herbicides are applied selectively by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture certified contractors working on the ground with hand-held equipment. The lower-growing trees and shrubs are preserved as much as possible, since they provide natural competition for the tall-growing species of trees. This low-growing plant community also provides ideal habitat for wildlife that feeds on saplings of many of the tall-growing species. The combined effects of the plant competition and wildlife activity help minimize the herbicides needed to ensure safe and reliable electric lines.

What effect will herbicide application have on wildlife and the environment?

PPL Electric Utilities is committed to managing vegetation in ways that will have a minimal impact on our environment. We will apply only products that have been approved for use on utility rights of way by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These products have undergone significant testing to ensure that, when used according to labeled instructions, they pose no threat to you, wildlife or the environment. In fact, some of the materials we use are the same as those commonly used by homeowners. There are significant, well-documented benefits resulting from the selective herbicide application techniques we use. Ideal wildlife habitat is created within these right of way corridors. Also, many naturally occurring plant and tree species, such as rhododendron, flowering dogwood and wildflowers, are left undisturbed in the right of way.