Tree Trimming

Tree Trimming

Tree Maintenance

Did you know fallen trees are responsible for nearly half the time our customers spend without power? ​

That is why we are coming to your area to assess overgrown trees and trim around power lines where necessary. With tree trimming, customers experience significantly fewer outages. Learn about how we're working to reduce power outages by 30% while cutting outage time in half by 2029 with our Power Improvements Map. ​

Notification

We are committed to communicating with you each step of the way through the tree trimming process.

Here's what to expect:

  1. Before we begin trimming, we will send you a letter letting you know we will be in the area.
  2. Shortly after, planners will assess your neighborhood and create a trimming plan.
  3. If trimming is needed on your property, we will knock on your door and leave a door hanger describing the necessary trimming. Your planner will leave his or her contact information to answer any questions you may have regarding the work planned for your property.
  4. If a tree poses a serious hazard to the power lines, and/or if trimming will damage the tree's health, it may need to be removed. These trees will be marked with two white dots. In this instance, our planners will make every effort to contact you to discuss the removal. After your tree removal permit is signed, planners will mark the tree with a white "X" indicating it is ready for removal.
  5. Due to many varying factors, tree trimming schedules are sometimes changed or delayed. In this event, we will do our best to inform you of those changes

Trimming and Debris

Our Tree Trimming program follows industry standards, and provides a balanced solution between reliable power and healthy trees. We work with several professional tree trimming companies, who are trained on safe and environmentally responsible tree care, to complete the tree trimming.

Details on how trees on your property will be trimmed will be provided in the door hanger left at your home.

Wood/Debris Resulting from DTE Work

If debris and/or wood is a result of DTE work during maintenance (trimming a healthy tree away from lines, trimming or removing trees to access equipment, etc.), wood will be cut into manageable pieces and left neatly piled on the property. All debris is chipped and removed.

Storm/Trouble Debris and Wood Policy 
Wood/Debris by Natural Causes

Trees or limbs that fall due to natural causes (weather, dead/dying, disease) are the customer’s responsibility for removal and wood/debris will be left at the site without additional cutting/stacking.

Before Planting a Tree

You don't have to choose between reliable service and beautiful trees. By planting the right trees in the right place, you can have both. The Right Tree, Right Place guide and the list of Trees Suitable for Planting in Southeast Michigan can help you decide where and what to plant.

Keep in mind other electrical equipment that may be on your property too. Keeping proper distance around this equipment ensures safety and can prevent a prolonged power outage for you and your neighbors.

Don't forget to call MISS DIG at 8-1-1 at least three business days before you break ground.

Service Drop Maintenance

Your service drop, or the line that runs from the utility pole to your home, is your personal connection to the power grid, and DTE does not trim around these lines. Keeping branches and other brushes away from these lines can prevent an outage or other electrical problems. Because these are energized lines, we highly recommend using a professional tree trimming service to perform the work.

Company    Areas ServicedContact Information
Kappen Tree ServiceHuron, Tuscola, Sanilac
and Lapeer County
989-673-5505
Davey TreeOakland, Washtenaw, Wayne
Livingston, Macomb and
Monroe Couny
Contact one of Davey's
local offices
Owen Tree ServiceOakland, Macomb, St. Clair,
Lapeer and Genesee County
810-724-6651
sales@owentree.com


Each company is an independent company that sets its own pricing. DTE Energy does not endorse any company or its products, services, or opinions. Customers do not have to select one of the companies listed above. Other companies may be available in your area. By clicking any of the links, you will leave dteenergy.com and be transferred to a third-party website not affiliated with DTE Energy. DTE Energy does not endorse or approve any third-party websites or its products, services or opinions. The terms and privacy policies of the third-party website will apply. Your use of the third-party website and its content is at your own risk.

Safety

Trimming trees is not a "do-it-yourself" job, especially when it's around or near a power line. We always recommend using a professional tree trimming service to perform the work.

Kids love to climb trees. But when a tree is close to power lines, you may have more to be concerned about than falling. Teach your kids to walk around a tree and ensure there are no power lines running through or near before climbing.

Tree Trimming Inquiries

If you have a non-emergency question or concern regarding DTE Energy’s Tree Trimming program, please complete the inquiry form. Please allow 5-7 business days for a response from our Tree Trim team.