Customer Services

Trees that touch or fall on power lines can cause wildfires, power outages, property damage or personal injury. Trees interfering with power lines are one of the leading causes of interruptions in electrical service in Chelan County.

The PUD’s Tree Health and Safety Program is designed to prevent trees from coming in contact with power lines. All lines are routinely inspected for vegetation, and pruning is performed on a regular cycle.

The PUD's method of pruning is recommended by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture. It is the accepted industry pruning standard. Initially, trees may look different after pruning. But directional pruning is actually better than other pruning methods for the safety and the health of your tree. Here’s why:

Directional, or target pruning, involves removing only those limbs that will come in contact with energized conductors. It removes branches at a joint, or lateral, of a limb, where the tree would be likely to lose a branch under natural conditions.

At this lateral, the tree’s natural defenses protect against decay and disease. Directional pruning reduces the number of times the tree must be pruned, reduces the number of fast-growing and weakly attached sprouts, and by directing growth away from the power lines, allows the tree to achieve its natural height and shape.

With less desirable methods of pruning -- round-over or topping -- all tree limbs are cut back to stubs or small branches, eliminating foliage and buds containing next season’s growth. This stimulates the production of vigorous, crowded, poorly tapered and weakly attached shoots, also called water-sprouts.

The cut stubs are prone to decay and the water-sprouts are susceptible to breakage. Round-over and topping can weaken trees and make them less resistant to pests, while destroying their natural structure and aesthetic value.

Graphic courtesy of the Friends of Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation

Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove trees or brush. During routine inspections, PUD experts look for trees that pose a threat to property or human life. For example, a tree off the PUD right of way that is dead or dying, which could fall into the lines, must be removed. Hazardous conditions also arise when children climb trees growing too close to power lines. If you are concerned about a tree on your property, or are interested in possible removal of a tree near power lines, please call the PUD at (509) 661-4508.

Every year deaths are reported for direct or indirect contact with high voltage lines. Electrocution can occur when a branch or other object touches lines. Tree houses near electrical lines are in violation of state and federal safety regulations.

Selecting a tree for planting is not a decision to be taken lightly, and is especially important around utilities. A tree requires space to grow both above and below ground. The mature height and spread of the tree should remain 10 feet from power lines. For a list of trees that are low growing and can be planted near power lines, call (509) 661-4508. Our forestry coordinator will send you this list and answer your questions regarding tree planting.

In addition, care should be taken that trees are planted at least 6 feet to the side of underground facilities. To find out where these are located before you plant, call the Dig Council at (800) 424-5555.

If you have a question regarding vegetation near power lines or general tree health and care, PUD experts can inspect the trees or answer your questions. Selecting the proper tree species and the appropriate planting site will provide trouble-free beauty and pleasure for years to come.

Also, if you are interested in wood chips for your planting or landscape needs, call the PUD.

The District hires highly trained and qualified line clearance professionals to perform required work. Never attempt to prune trees near power lines yourself. Only qualified line clearance tree contractors are allowed to work within 10 feet of high voltage lines. If there is any question, call the PUD at (509) 661-4508. If the power lines are determined to be low-voltage, the PUD will disconnect and reconnect your secondary electrical service at no cost. This will allow you or a third party to safely remove the existing vegetation.

Bill Sanborn, PUD forestry coordinator
(509) 661-4508

International Society of Arboriculture
P.O. Box 3129
Champaign, IL 61826-3129
(217) 355-9411
Pacific Northwest Chapter
(800) 335-4391

The National Arbor Day Foundation
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 474-5655

Tree Care Industry Association (formerly the National Arborists Association)
3 Perimeter Rd., Unit I
Manchester, NH 03103
(603) 314-5380

If you have questions regarding the Chelan County PUD’s Tree Health and Safety Program, or tree care in general, contact Forestry Coordinator Bill Sanborn, Certified Arborist at the PUD’s Wenatchee Headquarters, 327 North Wenatchee Avenue, by phone at (509) 663-8121 ext. 4508, or via email.