Q1. Why does SCE trim trees?
A1. It is a matter of public safety and the reliability of the power grid. State regulations require utilities to trim trees or vegetation which could cause a power outage and spark a fire or be a danger to the public. Enhanced tree trimming is part of the SCE Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
Q2. How will I know if SCE is going to trim my trees?
A2. SCE conducts annual inspections of trees and vegetation near lines. If a tree is identified for “light pruning,” the customer will be notified via door hanger 30-45 days before maintenance. A second door hanger is provided within 24-48 hours before scheduled maintenance. The door hanger has a phone number the customer can call for more information. Customers with trees that require “heavy pruning” will be contacted in person by SCE to discuss a pruning plan.
Q3. How many trees are we talking about?
A3. SCE currently inspects every year up to 1.6 million trees that might pose a hazard to power lines throughout its 50,000-square-mile area. More than 700,000 are located in high-fire risk areas.
Q4. What does SCE consider when pruning a tree?
A4. SCE’s responsibility is to protect public safety and the reliability of electric facilities. Therefore, pruning only occurs on the sides of the tree that could encroach on power lines. SCE prunes the tree in accordance with national standards designed to protect the health of trees. The pruning focuses on line clearance and does not necessarily encompass the entire tree or consider the resulting aesthetics.
Q5. Do you use arborists? What is their role?
A5. SCE has certified arborists throughout its vegetation management operation. All of SCE’s vegetation management senior specialists are certified arborists, and the contractors hired by SCE have arborists among their foremen. In addition to their arborist certification, they complete additional training to work around power lines.
Q6. What happens when you have to remove a tree?
A6. SCE confers with the property owner to explain the tree removal process. SCE obtains customer permission prior to the removal of a tree. Under imminent situations, SCE reserves the right to proceed without permission. An SCE tree trimming crew will cut down the tree at no charge to the customer. The crew will dispose of the tree or, if the property owner chooses, cut it into firewood.
Q7. Will I have to pay for SCE’s tree trimming or removal?
A7. No, all tree trimming is done as part of SCE’s vegetation maintenance work with no additional cost to the customer.