Tacoma Power encourages a healthy urban forest environment. Trees are a valuable asset to our customers and landscapes, and they add to our quality of life. However, when trees grow into power lines, they create hazards.

Our tree crews work year-round to maintain required clearances on all transmission and distribution circuits operated by Tacoma Power. Each circuit is inspected and trimmed on a four-year cycle. This provides the best program of control for growth and maintenance in our geographical location and crew structure.

If you are going to plant a tree under a power line along the street, please check out our list of recommended tree species.

For questions about tree clearances from power lines, tree removal or related issues, please contact Tacoma Power at (253) 502-8729.
 
Clearances
Tacoma Power maintains a four-year trim cycle. The exact amount of clearances needed in a given area depends on the voltage of the line and the type of line construction used. Line sag during temperature extremes as well as wind movement of power lines and trees must also be taken into consideration. The study of normal re-growth, species type and the position of the tree in relationship to the power lines also helps to establish Tacoma Power's clearance policies.

Tree Removals
Tacoma Power will remove trees that are directly under or so close to our energized primary lines that they may pose an electrical hazard, or are unlawful for an otherwise qualified contractor to remove. Branches and chips will be hauled away, and large pieces of wood may be left for the owner's use. Trees close to power lines that are severely leaning, dead, decayed, or pose a hazard to power lines may be removed by Tacoma Power. We reserve the right to refuse removal of any tree that may be safely removed by a qualified tree worker when no electrical hazard exists or there is no possibility of damage to the electrical system. Request tree removal.

Homeowners who wish to use wood chips may contact Tacoma Power at (253) 502-8729. All chips are "as is" and delivered in a full load. Small or partial loads are not available.

Services and Street Light
Trimming for services to residences and private lights is the responsibility of the customer. Tacoma Power will trim service wires that run from pole to pole, including the first 10 feet of service wire from the power pole to the residence. The service will be cleared of touching branches; neither trees nor large branches will be removed by Tacoma Power. In order to reduce the risk of electrical hazards, Tacoma Power will drop your service wire and re-connect it after your qualified contractor has completed its tree work. There is no charge for this service, but 48 hours advanced notice is required to schedule crews

Tacoma Power will trim all trees and vegetation around energized power lines, fiber optic cables, utility poles and pad mount transformers. It is important to keep alleys and right of ways clear of plants and debris so crews may perform maintenance or emergency functions safely. Trees that are trimmed next to distribution lines are done so in a manner that will provide proper clearances, promote growth away from power lines and leave the customer with a well-trimmed tree. Unfortunately, some species are not suitable around power lines and continued trimming on these type of trees may not always look appealing.

Tacoma Power strives to maintain sufficient line clearances, but due to weather conditions, tree vigor, species type and a number of other variables, some trees may reach our primary distribution before their next scheduled trim cycle. If you have a tree or know of one that has grown into the power lines, or if you feel the tree is dead, decaying or presents a hazard to the electrical system, please call Tacoma Power at (253) 502-8729.

An inspector will be sent to examine the tree's position relative to our power line and determine the best course of action. Should a tree need to be removed, an owner removal card will be left for you to sign. Tacoma Power prioritizes each request with emergency and hazardous situations taking precedence. Your tree requests are important to us.

For more information, call Tacoma Power Line Clearance at (253) 502-8729.