Trees, shrubs, and flowers are beautiful and important to the environment. But landscaping growing near or into utiliy infrastructure is a danger and may cause service outages.

When a tree comes in contact with a power line, it gives electrical current a path to the ground. That makes it a potential electrocution hazard to crews restoring service and to the public. Additionally, root systems can damage underground water, wastewater, and natural gas lines. High pressure natural gas easements must be clear for safety inspections, and vegetation may need to be cleared for maintenance or replacement of underground utility lines.

KUB prides itself in providing safe, reliable power. The Vegetation Management Program seeks to prevent problems through ongoing maintenance. It takes three to four years to inspect and prune KUB's 5,000-plus miles of overhead electric lines before the process starts over again.

Utility Maintenance Zone

Crews check to see if trees, brush, or other landscaping is growing within the standard safety maintenance zones.

KUB and its contractors:

• Prune to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet around electric distribution lines and prune all limbs above lines
• May also remove trees, brush, and vines within the 20-foot electric distribution maintenance zone
• Remove all limbs above and within 25 feet of high voltage electric transmission lines
• Mow and clear vegetation within 25 feet of high pressure natural gas mains
• May remove vegetation to maintain or replace underground utility assets
• Can enter properties to work on and around utility lines within a reasonable area

Pruning Techniques for Overhead Electric Lines

All crews use the lateral pruning method recommended by arborists, the Arbor Day Foundation, and other tree-care organizations. View pruning examples.

KUB only prunes trees in the utility maintenance zone and that are threatening power lines. KUB does not prune trees interfering with the individual service lines connected to homes.

If there is a tree threatening a homeowner's service line, they can call KUB to lower the line temporarily so a professional tree service can safely prune the tree. KUB will reconnect the line when the work is done.