Frequently Asked Questions

AMP trims trees primarily for safety and reliability reasons:

• Prevent Outages: Trees that come into contact with power lines can cause outages. By trimming them, AMP reduces the risk of service interruptions.
• Safety Hazards: Overhanging branches can be dangerous, especially during storms or high winds. Proper trimming helps prevent branches from falling on power lines, which could lead to fires or other hazardous situations.
• Maintenance Access: Well-trimmed trees ensure that utility workers can access power lines and equipment for maintenance and repairs. Overgrown trees can obstruct this access, making it harder to address issues promptly.

AMP follows industry best practices to balance safety, reliability, and tree health:

• Standards Compliance: We adhere to national and local standards set by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
• Trimming Techniques: We avoid excessive pruning to protect the tree’s health and appearance. We maintain a clearance of typically [10-15] feet from power lines and prefer methods like crown reduction or thinning over topping (cutting back large sections of a tree), which can harm tree health.

AMP trims trees on:

• City-Owned Land: We manage tree trimming on public property as outlined in our maps.
• Private Property: We also trim trees on private property if they pose a risk to power lines. California Public Utilities Code Section 4292 grants electric utilities the authority to trim trees and vegetation near power lines on private property if these trees are deemed to pose a risk to the power lines. This section is part of the broader legal framework governing utility rights and responsibilities related to vegetation management.

Our trimming personnel, overseen by certified arborists, ensure tree health by:

• Proper Techniques: Using proper pruning cuts and equipment to avoid damaging the tree.
• Health Monitoring: Regularly checking for signs of disease or pest issues and addressing them as needed.

We manage tree trimmings responsibly through:

• Recycling and Disposal: Recycling or proper disposal methods to minimize environmental impact.

We keep property owners and residents informed about:

• Planned Activities: Notifications about tree trimming activities, including purpose, schedule, and potential impacts.

Regulations such as CPUC GO 95, Rule 35, and CA PRC 4292 and 4293 require utilities to trim trees to prevent them from growing into or falling onto high-voltage power lines. This is crucial to prevent outages, fires, and safety hazards.

Topping is generally avoided but may be necessary when:

• No Alternatives: A tree grows directly under power lines with no other pruning options.
• Safety Zone Creation: Topping creates a safety zone between the tree and the power lines. We advise tree removal and recommend replacement with utility-friendly species when necessary.

• Planting Considerations: When planting trees, choose species that are less likely to interfere with power lines. Refer to our list of utility-friendly tree species.

• Homeowner Responsibility: Yes, but only trained professionals should work near power lines. If you hire a tree trimmer, notify AMP if the work involves trees within 10 feet of power lines.

• Notification: AMP will issue door hangers at least 30 days before trimming and a second notice 24-48 hours prior. The hangers will include contact information for any questions or concerns.

• Property Access: Cooperation with AMP’s requests to trim trees is important. Non-compliance may result in liability for damages or injuries from vegetation hazards.

• Removal Process: AMP or an approved contractor will discuss the removal process with the property owner, cut down the tree, and handle disposal.