We Energies Power Line Tree Trimming / Tree Management

How it works

We Energies trims or cuts down trees that threaten electric service to support reliability and compliance with the National Electric Safety Code. The company says it sets a schedule each year for areas that need trimming and re-evaluates those plans as conditions change throughout the year. If you are concerned about trees touching or getting too close to power lines, you can call We Energies and a forester will visit your property to evaluate the situation and tell you whether trimming is needed to maintain safe, reliable service.

What the service covers

The page says We Energies prunes or cuts down trees that threaten electric service and trims to create adequate separation between trees and power lines. It also explains how work varies by line type: high-voltage primary lines are cleared based on tree species and location; service and secondary lines may be managed by trimming branches or adding sleeves to service wires; and cable/phone lines are not trimmed by We Energies. For large hazards, the utility may cut trees down rather than trim them. Directional pruning is used to steer future growth away from power lines while preserving tree health when possible.

What is free

If you need We Energies to temporarily turn off electricity so you or your contractor can trim or remove trees close to service lines (pole-to-home wires), the utility says that service is provided at no charge. The forester visit is also described as no charge. The public page does not list any homeowner charge for the trimming program itself.

Debris, cleanup, and wood chips

We Energies says homeowners own the trees on their property, so most debris removal is the homeowner’s responsibility. Crews clean up the area after work, but what is removed depends on the size and location of the work. In maintained residential areas, limbs and brush are chipped and taken away; in unmaintained areas, limbs and brush are piled and left on site. Large trunks and stems are left on site in both settings. Invasive-species debris is left on site under Wisconsin DNR rules. As a result of the line-clearance program, wood chips may be available upon request, but the company only delivers full truckloads when crews are in your area.

Storm restoration and limitations

During storms, We Energies may remove fallen trees and broken limbs only as far as needed to restore power safely and quickly. The company says it cannot assist with removing storm debris from yards and directs customers to their municipality for storm cleanup information.