LADWP prunes trees to clear its power system from vegetation interference utilizing both in-house and contract crews. This tree trimming is necessary to minimize tree related outages and protect the public.
When a tree limb comes in contact with an energized power line, the outcome is a “short circuit” which can result in an outage leaving many customers without power. A short circuit can also result in a fire or, if the wires fall down, they can cause serious injury or death to anyone who comes in contact with them.
If you see a tree you think is interfering with high voltage conductors or a power line that is down, it is important that you notify the LADWP so we can do any necessary trimming or repairs.
Please call LADWP Customer Service at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).
Do not try to trim trees around high voltage power lines or move downed power lines yourself.
If your tree is close to high voltage power lines, do not hire an untrained person to trim your tree. Call the LADWP and we will inspect the tree and, if necessary, will trim the tree to the point where it is safe for your tree trimmer to continue trimming.
State and federal laws require anyone trimming trees around high voltage power lines to be a qualified Line Clearance Tree trimmer defined as:
A person who has completed a minimum of 18 months of job related and on the job experience and is familiar with the special techniques and hazards involved in line clearance tree trimming.
The California Public Utility Commission requires a minimum of 18 inches of clearance between trees and high-voltage power lines at all times. The minimum clearance is 4 feet in high fire areas.
LADWP maintains a pruning cycle of approximately 12 months. LADWP in-house and contract crews visit each neighborhood in Los Angeles during the cycle and prune trees projected to be within 18 inches of the high-voltage lines during the next 12 months. The amount of trimming will depend on the tree’s location and rate of growth.
LADWP crews make every effort to leave your property as clean as it was when they arrived. The only exception is during storms or times of emergency.
This tree trimming is done at no cost to you.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) “Tree Pruning Guidelines” and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 pruning standards have been adopted by LADWP. The in-house and contract tree pruning personnel are trained annually in these pruning practices.
The ISA Certified Arborist Program is promoted within the LADWP's Tree Program. Currently 18 staff members are ISA Certified Arborists.