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A lot of homeowners get nervous when they see trees or branches growing near power lines. It’s an understandable worry — as DTE Energy explains, fallen trees are responsible for nearly half the time its customers spend without power. And all it takes is one strong wind or a night of freezing rain to cause problems that could leave you and your family sitting around in the dark.
But whose responsibility are these trees? Are homeowners expected to have these trees trimmed? Will DTE Energy do it? Are there any costs involved?
We’ll answer all of these questions and more below, so that you’ll know how to help reduce the chances of losing power to your home.
Does DTE Energy Trim Trees Around Power Lines for Free?
Yes — DTE Energy trims the trees that may affect power lines on a regular basis, and they do so for free.
Typically, they’ll send you a letter shortly before the project, notifying you that they’ll be working in your area. A short time later, planners will assess the area and develop a tree-trimming plan for the neighborhood.
If the trees on your property need to be trimmed, a DTE Energy representative will leave a door hanger that describes the work they’ll need to do. You’ll find contact information for the representative on the door hanger, so that you can reach out with any questions you may have.
If your trees require outright removal, they’ll mark the affected trees with two white dots and then reach out to discuss the work with you and obtain a removal permit. After obtaining the signed permit, the tree will be marked with a white “X” to indicate it is ready to be cut down.
Will DTE Energy Trim the Trees Near Your Service Drop?
It’s important to note that while DTE Energy will trim trees near the main power lines traveling up and down the road, they do not trim trees near your service drop — the line extending from the utility pole to your house. It is your responsibility to have any trees threatening these lines trimmed.
This does not mean you should trim the branches near your service drop yourself. This is incredibly dangerous work that can lead to fatal electrical shocks if a branch or tool contacts a line. Instead, you should always leave tree care to the professionals, like the experts at Longtree Tree Service.
Tree Trim Scheduling: When Does DTE Energy Trim Trees Near Power Lines?
DTE Energy does not publish its tree-trimming schedule publicly, but you may be able to find out when the next trimming work is planned in your neighborhood by submitting an inquiry or calling them at 800-477-4747. You can also draw their attention to a potential tree issue via either of those contact methods.
Keep in mind that the dates of work scheduled can also change. As DTE Energy explains:
“Due to many varying factors, tree trimming schedules are sometimes changed or delayed. In this event, we will do our best to inform you of those changes.”
What Does DTE Energy Do with the Wood and Debris Produced During Trimming Operations?
It’s fair to wonder what DTE Energy will do with the wood and debris left over after they’ve trimmed your trees to keep the power lines clear. The answer varies, depending on the kind of debris and the circumstances surrounding it:
- Small Debris: Leaves, cones, fruit, and small sticks will all be chipped by DTE Energy and removed from the site.
- Large Branches: Large branches are typically cut into manageable pieces and then neatly stacked on the homeowner’s property. The organization doesn’t identify a specific size at which branches are chipped vs cut and stacked, so this will likely be up to the discretion of the tree workers.
- Large Logs: Large logs are generally left for the customer to dispose of.
Note that these policies specifically relate to tree debris and logs produced during DTE Energy’s preemptive line-clearing work. If your tree falls on the power lines and needs to be removed, they’ll leave all of the debris for you to dispose of.
Additionally, note that these policies may differ slightly following large storm systems, thanks to the workload created. Also, DTE Energy will not remove or transport wood from diseased trees to help prevent the spread of pathogens.
DTE Energy & Free Tree Trimming: FAQ
Still have questions about DTE Energy’s tree trimming policies? We’ll answer a few of the most common questions we hear from customers below.
Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines in Michigan?
The party responsible for trimming trees near power lines in Michigan differs slightly from one jurisdiction to the next. However, the region’s power company is usually tasked with trimming trees near power lines.
Will DTE trim trees around power lines?
Yes. DTE Energy regularly trims trees to keep them clear of power lines, and you can contact them directly if you feel one of your trees is presenting a hazard to the primary lines on your street. They do not, however, trim trees that may threaten your single-drop line (the line connecting your house to the utility pole).
Am I responsible if my tree falls on power lines?
Every case is unique, but generally speaking, no — you are not responsible for a tree that falls on the primary power lines. However, you will be responsible for having any debris removed that DTE Energy leaves behind (they’ll typically chip and remove the small debris produced).
However, you are responsible for covering any costs or damages resulting from a tree that falls on your single drop line (the line connecting your home to the primary power lines).
Can I trim a tree that’s touching the power line to my house?
Homeowners should never attempt to trim trees or limbs in close proximity to power lines, whether the tree is actually contacting the line or not. All it takes is one small mistake for you to be seriously injured or worse. Instead, contact a professional arborist — like those at Longtree Tree Services — to address the issue. We’ll be happy to take care of trimming work near utility lines.
What if a tree is too close to power lines?
If you suspect that a tree is too close to nearby power lines, contact DTE Energy and bring the tree to their attention. They’ll assess the tree and take corrective actions, if warranted.
Let Longtree Tree Service Trim Your Trees Now!
Whether you need the trees over your service drop trimmed or you want the trees near your power lines trimmed quickly, Longtree Tree Service is here to help. We’ve been providing the residents of Southeast Michigan with tree-trimming, stump-grinding, emergency tree removal, and other tree services since 2019, and we’d love to help your family be prepared when the next storms roll through. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and get tree trimming in Birmingham, Oak Park, Royal Oak, or anywhere else in Southeast Michigan!
Sources and References
- DTE Energy. “Tree Trimming / Tree Maintenance.” System Improvements, DTE Energy. https://www.dteenergy.com/us/en/business/service-request/system-improvements/tree-trimming.html
- DTE Energy. “Pre-Trim Door Hanger.” PDF brochure, DTE Energy.
https://newlook.dteenergy.com/wps/wcm/connect/46bef5cd-f111-4d6e-a5a5-8e4082055054/PreeTrimDoorHanger.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&&projectid=4dbeb025-a2ad-46bb-a937-a668f129d20c
