Pruning Methods

Professional foresters manage the tree program for PPL Electric Utilities. They consider the growth rate, location and response to pruning for various tree species.

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. This way, 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).

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.

Qualified Tree Trimmers

PPL Electric Utilities uses trained, qualified tree contractors who know how to work safely around power lines and have the skills to trim your tree properly. The contractors use pruning techniques that encourage quick and complete healing. These techniques result in less branch decay and fewer weakly attached shoots that can grow back toward the power lines.

Before contractors start in an area, you will be notified and will receive an explanation of the work that will be performed.

Cleanup and Wood Chips

In populated areas, tree crews will chip and dispose of most small limbs. The crew foreman will try to grant requests for wood chips. The crew will cut larger limbs into handling lengths and pile them at the base of the tree for the property owner’s use as firewood.

In unpopulated areas, tree crews will leave branches for wildlife cover. Larger limbs will be left for the property owner to use as firewood.