Tree Trimming Program FAQs
Tree Trimming
There's a tree too close to my power line. Can you trim it?
If you notice a tree that is dangerously close to overhead lines, please call your local arborist or fill out our contact form and we'll send out a PSE-certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
For more information, visit our Tree Trimming webpage.
Can I disconnect service for safety during tree-trimming?
If there is a tree on your property that is near or contacting PSE service lines (wires that run from a PSE pole and attach to your home or meter pole), PSE will perform a safety disconnection to allow you or your private tree trimmer/arborist to remove or trim branches to reduce the possibility of contact creating an outage. Typically this work is done at no charge.
Please contact one of our representatives at 1-888-321-7779 at least 5 business days before you plan to start the work to check on crew availability and potential charges.
For comprehensive information regarding tree trimming near primary lines (wires that run from pole to pole in the street’s right of way), please see this page.
Why does Puget Sound Energy trim trees?
Safety: Falling trees and branches can bring down poles and power lines causing very dangerous situations on the ground.
Reliability: Falling trees and limbs or even limbs that simply come in contact with power lines can cause power outages.
Can I do tree trimming work myself?
No. It is extremely unsafe for you to trim vegetation growing near power lines – even trees that are on your property.
Only specially trained tree trimming professionals should do this work.
Please call your local arborist or fill out our contact form and we'll send out a certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
Do you charge for trimming or removal?
No. We will not charge you to trim or remove any trees or branches that may cause safety hazards.
If you are asked for money, please call your local arborist or fill out our contact form.
When will tree crews arrive?
Typically within two to four weeks, although a PSE-certified arborist may appear within a few days to assess the situation.
Will I be notified when PSE crews are pruning trees in my neighborhood?
When tree trimming is necessary, nearby residents will receive a letter from us that includes contact information and the dates the work will be performed.
Will there be interruptions to my electric service while PSE is pruning trees in my area?
No. Routine tree trimming and tree removal should not impact your electrical service.
Why can't PSE place power lines underground instead of pruning?
Simply burying power lines is not as easy or cost-effective as it may sound, especially when you consider:
• All trees and vegetation in the area must be uprooted and removed in order to bury the underground cable.
• Moisture, corrosion and other stresses make buried cable vulnerable to failures.
• Power outages can be dramatically longer because of the time it takes to locate underground faults, dig and complete repairs.
• Underground cables cost many times more than overhead lines.
I live in an area with underground power lines. Does PSE's vegetation management affect me?
Even if tree trimming isn’t a concern in your neighborhood, nearby overhead lines that supply power to your underground lines must be properly maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
What guidelines should I follow when landscaping my property?
• Always call 811 before you dig. This free service helps you avoid potential injury, fines and the disruption of your electric or natural gas service.
• Do not plant trees or bushes, or place fences or rockeries near PSE's green metal transformer boxes. Our crews need safe and easy access to them in case of outages or routine maintenance.
What about tree houses?
If any part of a tree supporting a tree house is within 10 feet of a power line, the risk of electrocution is very high.
Also, make sure that children cannot reach power lines with a pole or any other object.
Call your local arborist or fill out our contact form if you have any concerns.
Tree Trimming Program FAQs
Tree Trimming
There's a tree too close to my power line. Can you trim it?
If you notice a tree that is dangerously close to overhead lines, please call your local arborist or fill out our contact form and we'll send out a PSE-certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
For more information, visit our Tree Trimming webpage.
Can I disconnect service for safety during tree-trimming?
If there is a tree on your property that is near or contacting PSE service lines (wires that run from a PSE pole and attach to your home or meter pole), PSE will perform a safety disconnection to allow you or your private tree trimmer/arborist to remove or trim branches to reduce the possibility of contact creating an outage. Typically this work is done at no charge.
Please contact one of our representatives at 1-888-321-7779 at least 5 business days before you plan to start the work to check on crew availability and potential charges.
For comprehensive information regarding tree trimming near primary lines (wires that run from pole to pole in the street’s right of way), please see this page.
Why does Puget Sound Energy trim trees?
Safety: Falling trees and branches can bring down poles and power lines causing very dangerous situations on the ground.
Reliability: Falling trees and limbs or even limbs that simply come in contact with power lines can cause power outages.
Can I do tree trimming work myself?
No. It is extremely unsafe for you to trim vegetation growing near power lines – even trees that are on your property.
Only specially trained tree trimming professionals should do this work.
Please call your local arborist or fill out our contact form and we'll send out a certified arborist to investigate at no cost to you.
Do you charge for trimming or removal?
No. We will not charge you to trim or remove any trees or branches that may cause safety hazards.
If you are asked for money, please call your local arborist or fill out our contact form.
When will tree crews arrive?
Typically within two to four weeks, although a PSE-certified arborist may appear within a few days to assess the situation.
Will I be notified when PSE crews are pruning trees in my neighborhood?
When tree trimming is necessary, nearby residents will receive a letter from us that includes contact information and the dates the work will be performed.
Will there be interruptions to my electric service while PSE is pruning trees in my area?
No. Routine tree trimming and tree removal should not impact your electrical service.
Why can't PSE place power lines underground instead of pruning?
Simply burying power lines is not as easy or cost-effective as it may sound, especially when you consider:
• All trees and vegetation in the area must be uprooted and removed in order to bury the underground cable.
• Moisture, corrosion and other stresses make buried cable vulnerable to failures.
• Power outages can be dramatically longer because of the time it takes to locate underground faults, dig and complete repairs.
• Underground cables cost many times more than overhead lines.
I live in an area with underground power lines. Does PSE's vegetation management affect me?
Even if tree trimming isn’t a concern in your neighborhood, nearby overhead lines that supply power to your underground lines must be properly maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
What guidelines should I follow when landscaping my property?
• Always call 811 before you dig. This free service helps you avoid potential injury, fines and the disruption of your electric or natural gas service.
• Do not plant trees or bushes, or place fences or rockeries near PSE's green metal transformer boxes. Our crews need safe and easy access to them in case of outages or routine maintenance.
What about tree houses?
If any part of a tree supporting a tree house is within 10 feet of a power line, the risk of electrocution is very high.
Also, make sure that children cannot reach power lines with a pole or any other object.
Call your local arborist or fill out our contact form if you have any concerns.