Can tree trimmers walk into your gated yard unannounced? What to know in Columbia area
Tree-trimming is a routine practice in almost every city, particularly in the interest of protecting power lines and other utilities. While commonplace, the activity can be disruptive to homeowners who aren’t expecting it, and it can be confusing to know what tree-trimming crews can and can’t access.
We spoke with Dominion Energy, which handles tree trimming in Columbia, to get a better sense of what the process entails and what homeowners should know.
Why do trees need to be trimmed on a schedule?
Fallen trees and branches are the top reason for power outages, explained Dominion spokesperson Matt Long. Making sure tree branches can’t fall on power lines is one of the main ways to protect the electric system.
Dominion trims trees on a five-year rolling basis.
Where are trees trimmed and how much?
Trees that sit along power distribution lines will get trimmed on a rolling basis by Dominion crews. Any tree over 15 feet tall is too large to be near distribution lines, and the utility works with cities and towns to make sure those trees are removed, or not planted at all in those areas.
How much gets trimmed off a tree isn’t set in stone, however. Crews use industry-approved standards to determine the minimum amount that needs to be lobbed off a tree.
Will you be notified if tree-trimming is planned at your property?
The city of Columbia publishes routine notices online informing residents when tree-trimming is expected and in what neighborhoods. Dominion Energy also emails customers two or three weeks before tree-trimming is expected to begin, Long said.
Dominion also held a public meeting in February, before the current tree-trimming season began, to answer questions residents have about the process.
Can tree-trimming crews access your private property?
Yes, Dominion Energy customers agree to let the utility access their properties as a condition of receiving the service, Long said.
Are they supposed to let homeowners know first?
Crews are supposed to tell a homeowner before they enter the property. “Our certified contractors follow safety guidelines while conducting work on or near our customers’ property, and they are instructed to knock on doors to notify residents before clearing work begins,” Long said.
What happens if they don’t?
While crews are instructed to contact the homeowner before accessing the property, they already have legal access because of the existing service agreements, Long said.
If a resident has a concern about the process, they can call 800-251-7234.
Where is work scheduled for next?
You can see a detailed list of which streets have work scheduled for this year and which company won the bid for the work at treetrimming.dominionenergyse.com.
