Tree Trimming

We know citizens are proud of their urban forests. We also know that power outages are an inconvenience to our customers. But when trees compete with overhead and underground power lines, the outcome could be “shocking” – especially in the case of downed power lines associated with overgrown or fallen trees.

To request tree trimming, please call Customer Service at (910) 483-1382 or click here.

Inspections / Permits

Who is Responsible: PWC or the Customer?

PWC’s Line Clearance / Vegetation Management is an essential part of power line maintenance to ensure safe, reliable electrical service. It includes:

Pruning or removing trees (undesired vegetation) from rights-of-way.
Routine surveys and plans to clear the power lines (every 3 to 5 years).
Notifying customers of trees that may pose a threat to their power lines.

PWC’s Line Clearance crews trim trees that are a hazard to power lines or that obstruct the illumination of streetlights, except LED street lights, within the City of Fayetteville. Using the latest in Arboriculture techniques, the crews achieve the needed clearance until the next scheduled trimming rotation. The adequate clearance is determined on a tree-by-tree basis, referencing the tree species, layout of the land, location of the tree, and the power line itself.

Our work is concentrated mostly on clearing transmission and distribution circuits. Most secondary and service drop lines are insulated and do not require maintenance unless a limb is putting substantial pressure on the line, thus causing the insulation to be rubbed off the wire. PWC does not remove trees along secondary or service drop lines.

If the problem with a tree does not fall under these guidelines, it is the responsibility of the customer to contact a private contractor to perform the work.

Essential Clearances

New Construction of Overhead Lines

Width may vary with site conditions:

Sub-transmission: Minimum of 50′ wide corridor
Two and Three Phase Primary: Minimum of 30′ wide corridor
Secondary Lines: All limbs within 5′ of the new line

Existing Overhead Lines

Width may vary with site conditions:

Sub-transmission: Minimum of 50′ wide corridor
Two and Three Phase Primary: 30′ corridor
Secondary and Service Triplex: Addressing just the limbs putting pressure or rubbing against the line will result in trimming 1′ to 2′ clearance. PWC will not remove vegetation greater than 4″ diameter for secondary and service wires.
Street Lights: 10′ trimming clearance for illumination of the street.
Area Lights: PWC does not clear for illumination of area lights. Only limbs that are interfering with the essential equipment for the operation of the light will be trimmed.

Tree Planting Guidelines

If new tree planting is part of your landscaping upgrades, remember to take great care when deciding where and what types of trees to plant. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your landscaping eliminates potential public safety hazards and reduces expenses for utilities and ratepayers while still enhancing the beauty of your yard.

Where to Plant

Look up and down to determine where the tree will be located in relation to overhead and underground utility lines.
Planting tall growing trees under and near overhead utility lines will require your utility to prune them to maintain safe clearance from the wires. This can lead to an unnatural appearance, as well as shorten the life span of the tree.
To be certain that you do not accidentally dig into any underground lines and risk serious injury or a costly service interruption, call PWC first. Never assume these utility lines are buried deeper than you plan to dig.
In addition to PWC, garden center staff or tree care professionals can help you select the right tree and determine proper placement.
Know your zones: Tall Zone – trees that grow 60 feet or more in height; Medium Zone – trees that grow no taller than 40 feet; Low Zone – trees that grow no taller than 20 feet. Knowing the maximum height your new tree is expected to reach prior to planting will help determine where it can be planted in relation to your utility services.

How to Plant
The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant season – fall after leafdrop or early spring before bud-break. Weather conditions are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location.

Proper site preparation before and during planting, coupled with good follow-up care will reduce the amount of time the tree experiences transplant shock (TS), which is indicated by slow growth and reduced vigor following transplanting.

These 8 steps will allow you to significantly reduce the stress placed on the tree at the time of planting and prolong the life and health of your tree.

Dig a shallow, broad planting hole. Make the hole wide, as much as three times the diameter of the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball.
Identify the trunk flare. The trunk flare is where the roots spread at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted.
Place the tree at the proper height. Before placing the tree in the hole, check to see that the hole has been dug to the proper depth, and no more. It is better to plant the tree a little high, 1-2″ above the base of the trunk flare, than to plant it at or below the original growing level.
Straighten the tree in the hole. Have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm the tree is straight because it is difficult to reposition once you begin backfilling.
Fill the hole, gently but firmly. Fill the hole about 1/3 full and gently but firmly pack the soil around the base of the root ball. Remove the string and wire from around the trunk if it is balled and burlapped. Fill the remainder of the hole taking care to firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause roots to dry out. For best results, add the soil a few inches at a time and settle with water. It is no recommended you apply fertilizer at the time of planting.
Stake the tree, if necessary. Studies have shown that trees will establish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting. However, protective staking may be required on sites where lawn mower damage, vandalism, or windy conditions are concerns. If staking is necessary for support, two stakes used in conjunction with a wide flexible tie material will hold the tree upright, provide flexibility, and minimize injury to the trunk. Remove the stakes after the first year of growth.
Mulch the base of the tree. Mulch acts as a blanket to hold moisture, protect against harsh soil temperatures, both hot and cold, and reduces competition from grass and weeds. Some good choices are leaf litter, pine straw, shredded bark, peat moss, and wood chips. A 2-4″ layer is ideal. Take special care not to cover the actual trunk of the tree.
Follow-up care. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. Other follow-up care may include minor pruning.

Tree Trimming Frequently Asked Questions

Are Meter Bases and Service Poles supplied by PWC?
Service Poles are not supplied by PWC. As of December 31, 2004, PWC stopped issuing meter bases for services 400 amps or below; however, PWC does issue meter bases for services above 400 amps. You will need to bring a copy of your electrical permit to the PWC Warehouse in order to have the meter base issued to you. The PWC Warehouse is located at 1097 Public Works Drive, located off Belt Blvd. After installation of the meter base by the homeowner’s electrician, the homeowner is then responsible for all components of the electrical system, with the exception of the service wire at the point of connection.

Are trees trimmed for Area Light illumination?
No – this is the responsibility of the landowner. Please see the yellow pages for local tree trimming services.

Are trees/limbs trimmed on the secondary, (service drop) lines that run from the street to the customer’s house?
No – these lines are usually insulated and they do not require maintenance unless a limb is putting substantial pressure on the line and rubbing the insulation off the wire. Secondary (service drop) lines are accessed and maintained during routine maintenance on a 3 to 5 year rotation.

What number do I need to call when I have a problem with Power Outages, Downed Power Lines or Poles, and Voltage Concerns?
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-8:00 pm, please call PWC’s Customer Service at (910) 483-1382 24 hours a day.

What number do I need to call when I have a problem with Street Lights, Area Lights, or Tree Trimming Requests?
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-8:00 pm, please call PWC’s Customer Service at (910) 483-1382 24 hours a day.

If I need my secondary (service drop) line temporarily disconnected for tree / limb removal, what procedures do I need to follow?
Contact Customer Service at (910) 483-1382, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. This requires a 24-hour notice.

What procedures do I need to follow before I do any underground digging?
Call 811 at 1-800-632-4949. State law requires a 48-hour notice.

Can I attach signs/posters to electrical poles?
No – this could prove to be harmful to any person(s) that may be required to climb the poles.

How close can I plant shrubbery to the transformer box in my yard?
You should plant the shrubs at least 3 feet from the sides and 9 feet from the front of the transformer box.