Tree Trimming

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

Line Clearance / Vegetation Management is an essential part of power line maintenance at PWC to ensure safe, reliable electrical service. Within this department, we prune or remove trees (undesired vegetation) from right-of-ways of overhead power lines for safe conductor to tree clearances. PWC routinely (every 3 to 5 years) surveys, plans, and performs the maintenance work necessary to clear the power lines. Presently, this maintenance work is performed on a three-year rotation.

If your tree problem involves interference with water and/or sewer lines, please contact the PWC Water Resources Construction Department at (910) 223-4716. If it is located on watershed property, please contact the PWC Watersheds Department at (910) 223-4760.

Surveying and Planning
PWC staff survey all of the overhead power lines approximately every five years. During this time of surveying, we are also planning future work for the Line Clearance crews. PWC crews will notify customers that they may have trees that impose a threat to the overhead power lines.

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.

Tree Trimming Policy | Street Lights / Area Lights | Inspections / Permits | FAQ