Tree Trimming
Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Tree Trimming

:

 Tree Trimming 

Close

Emergencies: 800.685.0123

If you smell natural gas, or see downed power lines, leave the area immediately and then call BGE. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 
With roughly two million trees surrounding our 9,400 miles of overhead power lines, we carefully trim branches that pose a threat to the lines, which helps to maintain safe and reliable power to your homes and businesses.
 

 Need a Contractor?

 

Find tree trimming contractors and view our contractor guidelines.

More >
 

 Trimming Schedule

 

View our tree trimming schedule to find out when and where we’ll be trimming branches next.

More >
 

 Pruning Standards

 

Our pruning standards explain the methods that our licensed contractors follow for tree work.

More >
 

 Common Questions

 
Why does BGE prune trees?
BGE trims trees to provide safe and reliable power to its customers in a cost-effective manner. Roughly 2 million trees surround BGE's 9,400 miles of overhead power lines. These trees need to be managed in order to prevent power outages, allow access for BGE work crews, and to maintain quality services to customers. ​
More
How are trees cut and how much of my tree is pruned?
For large trees with branches hanging over power lines, we require at least 15 feet of clearance above lines that are part of our 13,000-volt system. Higher voltage lines require even greater clearance. These branches are typically pruned back to the tree trunk. When utility wires run through a tree, we make a wide v-cut around the wire, leaving branches or stems on either side to grow naturally. For trees that grow under and adjacent to power lines, we remove overhanging and interfering side branches to gain necessary clearance. For trees growing directly underneath wires, we remove any branches that may interfere with our wires from below.
More
Is pruning dangerous to the health of my trees?
BGE follows industry accepted standards for tree trimming along our Rights-of-Way. For most trees, pruning simply reduces the volume of foliage and the health of the tree is unaffected. However, some trees need to be heavily trimmed in order to keep a safe clearance distance from power lines. In these instances, the tree may be susceptible to disease or death. Therefore, removing the tree may be the best option. ​
More
 

 More on bge.com:

 


​