1. Why does BGE prune trees?
2. How do trees affect service to BGE customers?
3. What safety issues arise from trees near power lines?
4. How does BGE choose which trees are to be pruned?
5. How are trees cut and how much of my tree is pruned?
6. Is pruning dangerous to the health of my trees?
7. Does BGE trim trees other than those by power lines?
8. Does BGE notify customers when they will be trimming in their neighborhood?
9. How often does BGE trim in my area?
10. How does BGE select which trees are to be removed and which trees are to be trimmed?
11. Are BGE's tree-trimming crews trained professionals?
12. Is there a charge for pruning or removing tress on my property?
13. Does BGE take requests to prune or remove trees that are not selected by BGE's tree trimming program?
14. Can I prune trees on my property near power lines?
15. What recommendations do you have about planting trees near power lines?
16. What is a climbable tree and what clearances do you need for them?
17. Do I need to contact BGE to do landscaping, planting, or trimming near power lines?
18. Does BGE dispose of branches after they have trimmed my trees?

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.

How do trees affect service to BGE customers?

Trees growing under or adjacent to overhead lines interfere with the electric delivery system provided by BGE. Branches and fallen trees that come into contact with electric wires could cause power lines to fall or possibly knock down utility poles, causing considerable damage and significant power outages. Overgrown trees near power lines also prevent BGE crews from repairing equipment quickly, and delay the process of restoring power to customers.

What safety issues arise from trees near power lines?

When trees and branches break and crash into power lines, there is a possibility for the electric lines or utility poles to fall. Fallen electric lines always pose a serious threat of electric shock, burns, and death. Trees in contact with power lines could also become energized and can catch fire.

How does BGE choose which trees are to be pruned?

Trees that interfere with, or are liable to interfere with, our electric delivery system are selected to be pruned, or in some cases removed. Trees that grow under and near power lines will be pruned or removed in order to allow a minimum clearance. The clearance requirements increase the higher the voltage lines. Tall trees near overhead lines are also targeted for trimming to prevent overhanging tree limbs from falling across the electric lines.

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.

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.

Does BGE trim trees other than those by power lines?

BGE trims only trees that would cause interference with our electric delivery system. All other tree trimming is the responsibility of the property owner. For a Licensed Tree Expert for private tree care on your property, please contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Does BGE notify customers when they will be trimming in their neighborhood?

BGE's tree trimming contractors use door hangers to provide notification of upcoming tree trimming. The door hangers inform customers when they should expect the tree crews and provide general information about the program.

How often does BGE trim in my area?

Trees that interfere with transmission lines are trimmed on a four- to five-year cycle. Those trees are pruned so that adequate clearance can be maintained between the tree and the overhead lines between cycles.

How does BGE select which trees are to be removed and which trees are to be trimmed?

Trees that are slower growing and manageable under our four- to five-year trimming cycle are selected for trimming. Other trees whose growth cannot be controlled by the trimming cycle, or which present high risk, are removed for safety and reliability.

Are BGE's tree-trimming crews trained professionals?

BGE hires licensed contractors to trim and prune trees. They are professional and have been trained to safely and efficiently remove problem trees and branches that would interfere with power lines.

Is there a charge for pruning or removing tress on my property?

The tree-trimming program is used to maintain BGE's rights-of-way. This routine maintenance ensures a safe and reliable power source to our customers, and is included in our power rates.

Does BGE take requests to prune or remove trees that are not selected by BGE's tree trimming program?

Trees that do not or will not interfere with overhead equipment are not trimmed by BGE's trimming crews. It is the responsibility of the property owner to prune and maintain those trees. For a Licensed Tree Expert for private tree care on your property, please contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Can I prune trees on my property near power lines?

If you plan on doing work within 10 feet of power lines, contact BGE so that a BGE representative can assess the situation to assure safety.

What recommendations do you have about planting trees near power lines?

If you wish to plant trees near transmission lines, select tree species that will not require topping or trimming at a mature height. For most situations, mature plant heights must be at least 20 feet below the lowest conductor under maximum sag. Trees with mature heights greater than 40 feet must be approved by BGE. If you wish to plant trees near distribution lines, keep the 'wire zone' at the top of each pole clear. Any tree that grows heigher than 25' is not suitable for areas near power lines. Learn how to select the right tree.

What is a climbable tree and what clearances do you need for them?

A climbable tree is a tree having branches which: would enable an average person to easily climb without using a ladder, special tools, devices, or extraordinary effort; and, would enable an imprudent and careless person to have direct contact with an overhead primary conductor. Once a climbable tree is identified, it should be addressed in one of the following ways: BGE tree clearance standards should be achieved to preclude re-sprout growth from contacting primary conductors within a maintenance cycle. Create eight feet (8') of clearance between the lowest branch on the tree and the ground. Remove an eight foot (8') whorl of branches below the primary conductor. Remove the tree.

Do I need to contact BGE to do landscaping, planting, or trimming near power lines?

When working near utility equipment, contact BGE to clarify any questions you may have about landscaping activities. Be sure to plant suggested trees near overhead lines to prevent the need for topping and trimming when the plants reach mature age. Before digging, call MISS Utility to have underground pipes and lines marked. Always use caution when working around energized wires, and call BGE if you aren't completely sure that the situation is safe.

Does BGE dispose of branches after they have trimmed my trees?

During routine maintenance, small branches (8" diameter or smaller) are fed through a wood chipper. The debris is disposed of or provided to the property owner upon request. Branches larger than 8" are stacked and left for the property owner. When storms cause tree-related outages, reactive tree trimming may be required to restore service to our customers. In these cases, the debris is left behind for the property owner to dispose of as they see fit.

1. Why does BGE use herbicides to control plant growth?
2. What benefits are there to using herbicides rather than mowing and trimming?
3. How does BGE select which plants are to be treated with herbicides?
4. Are the herbicides that BGE uses to control vegetation safe for people, pets, animals, and the environment?
5. Are the herbicide crews trained and professional?
6. How long do herbicides last before they need to be reapplied?
7. Are all plans affected by the herbicides BGE uses?

Why does BGE use herbicides to control plant growth?

Herbicides are an effective and efficient way to remove undesirable plants under or near power lines. Herbicides provide longer control than mechanical or manual methods due to their effect on a plant's root system.

What benefits are there to using herbicides rather than mowing and trimming?

Herbicides provide longer control of undesirable plant life than other methods. They are easy to apply, and can control plant growth more efficiently in some areas compared to mowing or hand-cutting. Herbicides can also be selective, so they only control certain undesirable species, and leave desirable species to occupy the site. Depending on the type of herbicide and method of application, the cost of herbicide application is lower than hand-cutting and competitive with mowing.

How does BGE select which plants are to be treated with herbicides?

Herbicides are most easily applied to undesirable trees less than 10 feet tall. Certain species are more susceptible to herbicides, and some plants are inaccessible to mowers and hand-cutting due to steep terrain or wet ground.

Are the herbicides that BGE uses to control vegetation safe for people, pets, animals, and the environment?

Yes. BGE requires its contractors to use only EPA-approved products. They also require their contractors to be licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) for pesticide applications.

Are the herbicide crews trained and professional?

Yes. The contract companies are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and their certified applicators must attend annual certification classes to maintain their certification.

How long do herbicides last before they need to be reapplied?

In Central Maryland, herbicides are usually effective up to 5 years before re-application is needed. The next application is usually more selective since the number of undesirable trees is less.

Are all plans affected by the herbicides BGE uses?

Not necessarily - some of the herbicides are selective to targeting certain plants for control while preserving the desirable plants.