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How We Keep Power Lines Clear

DLC applies best management practices and technological advances from both the arboricultural and utility industries. Our right-of-way maintenance program ensures that 6,500 miles of overhead power lines remain clear of vegetation encroachments so we can keep the power flowing. We carefully select and promote trees and shrubs that will not grow tall enough to interfere with power lines.

We’re proud to be a Tree Line USA award recipient. Our vegetation management program has been recognized nationally for 24 consecutive years by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters as a leader in the promotion of best practices, training and tree advocacy in the community. 

Pittsburgh Today Live recently met with DLC to learn how we're working to keep our customer's power safe and reliable by trimming trees near power lines— Watch the segment below!

Learn more about our tree maintenance plans for 2025
DLC will be conducting vegetation management work in the following areas:
Aliquippa 
Aleppo 
Aspinwall 
Banksville 
Baldwin 
Ben Avon 
Ben Avon Heights
Beechview 
Blawnox 
Bethel Park 
Braddock 
Brentwood 
Carnegie 
Castle Shannon 
Center 
City Of Pittsburgh 
Clairton 
Collier 
Dormont 
East Liberty 
Edgewood 
Edgeworth 
Emsworth 
Forest Hills 
Findlay 
Fox Chapel
Franklin 
Friendship 
Hanover 
Haysville 
Hazelwood 

 

Highland Park 
Hampton 
Homewood 
Hopewell 
Glassport 
Glenfield 
Greentree 
Greenfield
Indiana 
Independence
Jefferson 
Kennedy 
Kilbuck 
Liberty
Leetsdale 
Manchester 
Mckeesport 
Monroeville
Moon 
Mount Lebanon 
Mount Washington
North Huntington 
North Side 
North Versailles
Oakland 
Oakmont
Ohara
Ohio Twp
Osborne 
Overbrook 
Penn Hills
Pitcairn 
Pleasant Hills
Plum
Point Breeze
Port Vue
Potter 
Raccoon 
Regent Square 
Reserve 
Richland 
Robinson
 Ross
 Scott 
Sewickley 
Sewickley Heights 
Sewickley Hills 
Shaler 
Shippingport 
Lincoln 
South Side 
Squirrel Hill
 Swissvale 
Trafford 
Turtle Creek 
Verona
Versailles 
Wall East 
West Deer 
West End 
West Mifflin 
White Oak 
Whitehall 
Wilkins 
Wilkinsburg
Wilmerding 

Right Tree Right Place 

Customers are encouraged to follow the “right tree, right place” approach when planning landscaping around their homes, businesses and communities. There are many types of utility-compatible shrubs and trees that, at less than 25 feet, do not grow tall enough to interfere with power lines. Use our list of utility compatible trees and shrubs for guidance. 

Wood Removal

While DLC will haul away branches and limbs, any remaining wood is left in manageable pieces for the customer to repurpose or dispose of as they desire. For those who need help removing leftover wood, DLC’s recently launched Referral Network Program identifies qualified, vetted professionals who can assist. To request a referral, customers can complete an online form

Safety Around Trees and Power Lines

Tree pruning and removal can be incredibly dangerous, especially near power lines. As noted in Customer Responsibilities, trees on or near service-drop wires are the responsibility of the property owner and may require work to be performed by a qualified line clearance tree professional. Federal regulations require only qualified professionals work within 10 feet of energized electrical equipment. If you plan to have tree work done near power lines or other energized electrical equipment, contact us at 888-393-7100 to discuss your work plan. 
 
In the event of vegetation-related outages during storms and other emergencies, DLC line-clearance professionals will clear vegetation hindering access in order to facilitate the restoration of power. However, the property owner is responsible for cleaning up and disposing of the debris. Customers who need help with lumber removal can utilize DLC's Referral Network to connect with qualified local businesses. 

Resources

Local Partners 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about tree planting or maintenance, call DLC’s Customer Care line at 888-393-7100. One of our vegetation management professionals will contact you to address your questions.

We Don’t Just Power Your Lights,
We Power The Moments You Call Life.

One More Reason We’re Larger Than Light.