Pepco Tree Trimming - Good or Bad Idea?

[Anonymous]

We recently moved into a new house that has a very large (almost to the second story roof line) overgrown Burford Holly in front. The power lines that run from the street to the house go directly through the bush/tree. About 4 feet would need to be removed from the top to clear the power lines. We've had an estimate from an arborist to do either a substantial pruning or remove it. However, given that power lines are involved, we've also considered having Pepco come out and take care of the trimming. I understand that they don't prune - just remove branches for safety - and sometimes they can leave a tree looking butchered. Has anyone had any experience with Pepco on private property? Should we let them clear the dangerous part and have the arborist clean it up afterwards? Or just go with the arborist all the way? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

They might cut the center part and then the tree won't grow and will look sort of cut off. If you like the tree, do it yourself.

However, if it's a big tree, it could cost thousands so ask yourself how much you like the tree.

[Anonymous]

Pepco did a lot of tree trimming in our neighborhood after the storms a few years ago. They are all large, mature trees.
The results are a very mixed bag. Some trees look alright, the others look strange depending on how the power lines were positioned.
If you are particular about the appearance and can afford the arborist that may give you a better outcome.

[Anonymous]

By law you must have them do it

[Anonymous]

If it's more bush like they may not do it - it doesn't sound like it would bring down the power lines.

In our neighborhood in Bethesda Pepco has basically clear cut hundreds of trees. Very little pruning - mostly just taking them out altogether. Check out River Rd in front of the Kenwood Club for an example. In some places it probably needed to be done, but it doesn't look great. Plus they left large stumps.

If the tree is that overgrown you may want to actually take it out. An arborist will tell you if it's worth saving or if you are better off taking it out and replacing it with something else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By law you must have them do it

I agree with this. My arborist won't do tree branches that involve power lines. It isn't safe for him and could have liability issues.