DTE will trim trees in Allen Park this month and next

DTE Energy tree-trimming crews will work in several communities over the next two months to improve electrical service reliability and enhance safety for customers. Allen Park is the only Downriver community on the list.

By trimming to a 10-foot distance between tree branches and our power lines, we can significantly reduce tree-related power outages, said Vince Dow, DTE Energy vice president of distribution, engineering and construction. Our goal is to keep customers trees healthy and out of harms way. The pruning method we use removes only the branches too close to power lines and helps ensure that future growth is directed away from power lines.

For the past 15 years, the company has received the National Tree Line USA award for quality tree care. Tree trim crews follow International Society of Arboriculture standards to maintain the health of trees.

After trimming, trees are less susceptible to disease and insect problems, and because theyre stronger, theyre more resistant to high winds and heavy ice. During severe weather, fallen limbs and tree branches account for about two-thirds of power outages.

Once tree trim work is completed, DTE Energy removes small branches and debris from customer properties. Larger trimmed branches are cut to firewood length and left behind for customer use or disposal.

DTE Energy does not remove diseased tree debris. And like most utilities nationwide, DTE Energy does not remove debris caused by severe storms.

When severe weather hits, our first priority is working quickly to remove downed wire hazards and restore power to customers, Dow said.

In these emergency situations, crews will cut broken and uprooted trees so repairs can be made. Customers are advised to contact their trash collectors or a professional tree-removal company for advice on disposing of tree debris.

Customers are responsible for keeping tree branches away from their service drops, which are the lines that run from utility poles to their homes. Although the voltage running through the service drop is much lower than pole-to-pole wires, DTE Energy recommends hiring a professional tree service to do this trimming. Visit dteenergy.com/treetrim to find more information about line clearance and proper tree planting.

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DTE will trim trees in Allen Park this month and next