How do you decide to prune trees?
We use “best practices.” Austin Energy follows
“best practices” guidelines for tree pruning set
forth by the American National Standard Institute
(ANSI) and endorsed by the National Arbor Day
Foundation and the International Society
of Arboriculture.
We prune by circuit. Austin Energy’s service area
is comprised of about 300 circuits (smaller lengths
of power line 1-20 miles long) that deliver power
to specific areas of Austin. We prune a circuit
from beginning to end, rather than at individual
locations. This is the most effective way to make
sure that the entire line is clear of obstructions.
If a portion of the circuit is not pruned and a
tree limb falls on the line, the entire circuit
may experience a power outage.
We consider oak wilt and bird habitat.
Austin Energy tries to avoid scheduling pruning
in neighborhoods with mainly red oak and live
oak trees between mid-February and June
when oak wilt is more likely to spread.
In areas that provide habitat for the
Golden-cheeked Warbler and the
Black-capped Vireo, Austin Energy avoids
pruning from March through September.
The habitat consideration generally applies to
undeveloped areas west of MoPac (Loop 1).
We prune to restore power. Storms with
heavy winds, hail, sleet and ice frequently
cause damage to power lines. Branches
can break off and hit against power lines in
strong winds. Ice can form on branches,
causing them to sag into and break power
lines. These tree limbs must be removed
before power can be restored. After these
storms, it is often necessary to have as many
tree trimming crews as repair crews working.
We prune in emergency situations. Austin Energy
responds to calls from customers about hazardous
conditions near power lines. Any customer who notices
an unsafe condition caused by a tree contacting a
power line or is experiencing electrical problems
is encouraged to call Austin Energy at 322-9100 or
494-9400. These numbers are staffed 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. We will investigate and,
if necessary, bring in a crew to prune for safety or
outage issues.
Note: Austin Energy does not prune tree limbs
that contact the lower lines on the pole for
telephone and cable. The electric lines are
at the top and middle of the pole.
How do you work with homeowners?
Every way we can. Austin Energy has created
a process for pruning your trees that is designed
to make sure that you and your neighborhood are
aware of the scheduled work and your options as
an Austin Energy customer.
1. We notify your neighborhood leaders.
Austin Energy is one of the few utilities in the
country that gives early notification of line
clearance trimming to the neighborhood. Your
neighborhood association president will receive a
letter announcing the planned pruning within
the boundaries of the neighborhood.
2. We come to your door. About two
weeks after notifying your neighborhood
association president, we visit each property
to assess the need for line clearance. The
property owner will have the opportunity
to discuss the work that needs to be done
on the trees with a trained work planner
assigned by the forestry division of
Austin Energy. A work plan is prepared that
indicates the work required for each affected
tree. These trees will be marked with green Austin
Energy ribbons for pruning or pink Austin Energy
ribbons for removal.