Line Clearance

Tree Trimming & Line Clearance
The City of Lebanon Electric Department works throughout the year to remove dangerous limbs from our power lines. Tree limbs contacting power lines are a common cause of power outages and can create a safety issue. That's why our certified arborists aim to keep electric lines free of trees and shrubs every day.

Routine Trimming
During normal trimming, our tree-trimming contractors remove and / or chip tree limbs and the debris from the property owner's trees. All wood and debris are removed from the property. At the property owners request, all wood will be cut in four-foot lengths and left on site for the property owner's use. In some cases, trimming will leave a tree with a less than desirable appearance. In this case, if the property owner requests, the City of Lebanon Electric Department will remove the tree.

Tree Removal
The City of Lebanon, per City ordinance, reserves the right to remove any tree from any easement or right of way if it poses an immediate threat to power lines, property, or public safety.

Emergency Trimming
When tree debris is caused by a storm and / or an emergency situation, the City of Lebanon Electric Department does not remove it. Our crews must work quickly to restore power to all of our customers. Our crews cut broken and uprooted trees so the City of Lebanon can make repairs to our lines. Brush and wood are left at the property so that we can proceed with our restoration work.

Trees & Plants on Your Property
It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the service line clear. The service line is the wire(s) that run from the pole to your home or business. We recommend hiring a professional tree service to do this trimming.

Set Up an Appointment
The City of Lebanon will assist the tree trimmer by temporarily shutting off power to the service line so that work can be performed safely. There is no charge for this service if it is scheduled during normal business hours. Customers can contact (513) 228-3210 at least two business days in advance of the work to schedule an appointment.

Make-Safe Trimming
If private trees on your property are deemed to pose a threat to main power lines and poles, the City of Lebanon may assist with the trimming or removal by performing a make-safe trim. A make-safe trim will remove the upper portion of the tree and bring it to a safe, manageable level for the property owner. During a make-safe trim, the City of Lebanon will not remove any limbs, wood, or debris from the property.

Underground Lines
In neighborhoods where power lines are located underground, transformers and other above-ground equipment are used to connect service. These facilities require periodic maintenance and access to restore service during outages.

Equipment Clearance
A 12-foot clearance is required from the front of the equipment and a 3-foot clearance is needed around the back and the sides. Please plan your landscaping with these clearances in mind. Be sure to consider how much the landscaping will spread as it matures. We must trim or remove vegetation or structures that encroach on these clearances.