Large trees and branches can cause extended power outages when they interfere with overhead power lines. While Delmarva Power has an extensive maintenance program in place which helps keep lines clear for distribution lines and transmission rights of way, we understand there may still be a need for further assistance. Options for tree maintenance near service wires or between poles on or near your property are explained below.
Safety: Do not climb trees or trim trees that are located near power lines without taking necessary precautions first. It is important for an individual or the equipment used by an individual to maintain a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from energized lines. Hiring a qualified licensed contractor who is familiar with the safety requirements is a safer alternative. Always keep children away from trees that are near power lines. Even momentary contact with a power line, or a tree or branch that is in contact with a power line, can severely injure or kill. Contact Delmarva Power for further assistance.
Delmarva Power does not perform tree pruning by request for the wire running directly to customers' meters (the service wire). If you hire a contractor, or plan to do any pruning on your own, we will either drop or de-energize your service wire and will re-connect it once pruning is complete. Please see Request a Planned Outage below. Your home will be without power until your service line is re-connected. There is no charge for this service.
Request Service
Tree pruning is a critical part of our responsibility to deliver safe and reliable electric service. Click here to learn more.
Several options are available for trees that are near power lines between utility poles located on your property.
Delmarva Power's qualified line clearance tree trimmers can provide clearance around primary and secondary lines so that a private contractor can safely trim or remove the rest of your tree. This process may take anywhere from 30-90 days. Please contact us to get more information about this free service.
Delmarva Power will, in certain cases, stop the electricity flowing through the power lines near the tree(s) in question, allowing a private contractor to work around de-energized lines. Please contact us at 1-800-375-7117? and request a planned outage to see if this is an option for you. There is no charge for this inquiry or for de-energizing the lines if agreed upon by Delmarva Power.
Learn More about? Tree Pruning Schedules
