Tree Program

Pruning Your Trees

Electric utilities must keep trees trimmed so they remain a safe distance from high-voltage power lines. Utilities hire specially trained tree trimmers to do this work. Only qualified tree trimmers are allowed to trim trees near high-voltage power lines. These workers know how to trim trees to keep them healthy and to make sure branches won’t touch nearby lines. Never attempt to prune trees near power lines yourself.

Benton PUD’s tree program follows the standards set forth by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Aboriculture. Benton PUD’s pruning practice uses the technique of directional pruning, which leaves intact the branches growing away from power lines and the branches growing towards the power lines are cut at a lateral branch or stem. V-pruning and side pruning are the two main variations of directional pruning. Over time, trees develop a more natural appearance and are healthier than trees topped flat.