Tree Trimming
DP&L works throughout the year to remove dangerous limbs from our power lines as safely and easily for customers as possible.
Tree limbs contacting power lines are a common cause of power outages and can create a safety issue. That's why our certified arborists and service reliability specialists aim to keep electric lines free of trees and shrubs every day.
Routine Trimming Policy
During normal trimming, our tree trimming contractors remove and/or chip tree limbs and the debris from the property owner's trees (less than 4 inches in diameter), but leave the logs (greater than 4 inches in diameter) stacked at the base of the tree from which they came. These are cut to handling length and left for the property owner's use.
Emergency Trimming Policy
When tree debris is caused by a storm and/or an emergency situation, we do not remove it.
Our crews must work quickly to restore power to all of our customers. Our crews cut broken and uprooted trees so DP&L can make repairs to our lines. Brush and wood are left at the property so that we can proceed with our restoration work.
In these emergency situations, your community's public works department, private trash collectors or a professional tree-removal service can lend assistance and advice regarding the disposal of brush and other debris.
Trees and Plants on Your Property
It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the service line—the wire(s) that run from the pole to your home or business—clear. We recommend hiring a professional tree service to do this trimming.
DP&L will assist the tree trimmer by temporarily shutting off power to the service line so that work can be performed safely. There is no charge for this service.
Customers can call DP&L at 937-331-4860 a few days in advance of the work to schedule an appointment.
Underground Lines
In neighborhoods where power lines are located underground, transformers and other above-ground equipment are used to connect service. These facilities require periodic maintenance and access to restore service during outages.
A 10-foot clearance is required from the front of the equipment and a 3-foot clearance is needed around the back and the sides. Please plan your landscaping with these clearances in mind. Be sure to consider how much the landscaping will spread as it matures. We must trim or remove vegetation or structures that encroach on these clearances.
