Residential Services

Clearances | Tree Removals | Service and Street Lights | Tree Service Request Form | Street Trees for Planting Under Residential Power Lines |

Tacoma Power encourages a healthy Urban Forest environment. Trees are a valuable asset to our customers, landscapes, and add to our quality of life. However, when trees grow into power lines they create many hazards.

Our Tree Crews operate year round to maintain required clearances on all Transmission and Distribution circuits operated by Tacoma Power. Each circuit is inspected and trimmed on a three year cycle. This provides the best program of control for growth and maintenance in our geographical location and crew structure.

For questions about tree clearances from power lines, tree removal or related issues, please contact Tacoma Power at 253-502-8729.

Clearances

Tacoma Power maintains a three year trim cycle. The exact amount of clearances needed in a given area depends on the voltage of the line and the type of line construction used. Line sag during temperature extremes as well as wind movement of power lines and trees must also be taken into consideration. The study of normal re-growth, species type and the position of the tree in relationship to the power lines also help to establish Tacoma Power's clearance policies.

Tree Removals

Tacoma Power will remove trees that are directly under, or so close to our energized primary lines, that they may pose an electrical hazard, or are unlawful for an otherwise qualified contractor to remove. Branches and chips will be hauled away, and large pieces of wood may be left for the owner's use. Trees close to power lines that are severely leaning, dead, decayed, or pose a hazard to power lines may be removed by Tacoma Power. We reserve the right to refuse removal of any tree which may be safely removed by a qualified tree worker when no electrical hazard exists or there is no possibility of damage to the electrical system.

Home owners who wish to use wood chips may contact Tacoma Power at 253-502-8729. All chips are "as is" and delivered full load.  Small or partial loads are not available.

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Services and Street Light

Trimming for services to residences and private lights is the responsibility of the customer. Tacoma Power will trim service wires that run from pole to pole, including the first ten feet of service wire from the power pole to the residence. The service will be cleared of touching branches and neither trees or large branches will be removed by Tacoma Power. In order to reduce the risk of electrical hazards, Tacoma Power will drop your service wire and re-connect it after your qualified contractor has completed their tree work. There is no charge for this service, but 48 hrs advance notice is required to schedule crews.

Tacoma Power will trim all trees and vegetation around energized power lines, fiber optic cables, utility poles, and pad mount transformers.  It is important to keep alleys and right of ways clear of plants and debris, so crews may perform maintenance or emergency functions safely. Trees that are trimmed next to distribution lines, are done so in a manner that will provide proper clearances, promote growth away from power lines, and leave the customer with a well-trimmed tree. Tacoma Power crews follow I.S.A. and ANSI standards for pruning where possible. Unfortunately some species are not suitable around power lines and continued trimming on these type of trees may not always look appealing.

Tacoma Power strives to maintain sufficient line clearances, but due to weather conditions, tree vigor, species type, and a number of other variables, some trees may reach our primary distribution before their next scheduled trim cycle. If you have a tree or know of one that has grown into the power lines, or feel the tree is dead, decaying, or presents a hazard to the electrical system, please call Tacoma Power at 253-502-8729. A Tree Work Request form will be filled out (or you can fill out the form on line). Line Clearance will send an inspector to examine the tree and its position relative to our power line, and determine the best course of action. Should a tree need to be removed, an owner removal card will be left for you to sign. Tacoma Power prioritizes each request with emergency and hazardous situations taking precedence. Your tree requests are important to us. Please be patient, your concerns will be addressed. If you need more information, Call Tacoma Power, Line Clearance at 253-502-8729.

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Street Trees for Planting Under Residential Power Lines

* native or drought tolerant plants

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