Tree Pruning
MGE recognizes the need to take extra precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak. We intend to follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing while performing both our work planning and pruning activities.
On the work planning side:
- Consulting Arborists will carry messaging placards identifying themselves as arborists with MGE Forestry.
- We will forgo knocking on doors before entering properties, except in cases of locked gates or dogs in yard.
- If personal contact is made, we will maintain a 6’ distance during all face-to-face customer interactions.
- We will accept verbal permission for most work to be performed.
- All care will be taken to avoid touching doorknobs, handles, fences, etc. without gloves.
- We will not ask for signed door cards to be returned.
- Work details will be conveyed via our yellow pruning notification door card, or in some case via phone call. As always, the Consulting Arborist’s phone number will be on this yellow door card in case you have questions or concerns about the planned pruning work.
On the pruning side:
- Whenever possible Hooper tree crews will avoid personal contact with property owners.
- Tree crews will maintain a 6’ distance during all face-to-face personal interactions.
- If a property owner needs to be contacted by a crew foreman, the preferred methods will be phone call and text messages (gate access, dogs in yard, etc.).
For Service Request Orders (customer generated calls that require an Arborist inspection):
- Consulting Arborists will carry messaging placards identifying themselves as arborists with MGE Forestry.
- We will maintain a 6’ distance during all person-to-person customer interactions.
- All findings will be relayed to the requestor/contact person via telephone or email (if applicable).
- If pruning work is required, assigned crews will follow the above-listed guidelines.
NOTE: The Consulting Arborists do not know when crews will be at a specific property or location, but upon request a note can be added to the paperwork to have the crew call or text before entering a yard or property. MGE thanks you for your patience and cooperation.
Storms and wind can cause trees to fall or branches to bend or break into electrical wires. Since trees are a potential conductor of electricity, trees that are touching an energized wire could cause electrocution. In addition, limbs, even small ones, that grow into and touch a high voltage electric line could cause a short circuit, electrical outage or fire. If branches are too close to high-voltage lines, an electric arc or flash between the two can cause an outage or fire.
If you see trees or branches that have come into contact with power lines, please report the situation to MGE by calling (608) 252-7111. Do not attempt to remove the tree branch or limbs close to power lines on your own.
MGE pruning process
MGE contracts with Hooper Corp. to regularly prune trees that are close to electric lines to keep you safe and to keep our electric service reliable. Pruning is supervised by MGE ISA certified arborists. In general, we follow these guidelines:
- Trees along a circuit or group of circuits are pruned every four to five growing seasons. The circuits don't necessarily follow a specific street or neighborhood.
- The amount of pruning depends on the growth rate of the tree species and the location of the electric line.
- We'll check the electric service line and prune only small branches that prevent the wire from hanging freely.
- We follow International Society of Arboriculture, American National A300 Pruning Standards.
- Oak trees are pruned in dormant season, generally between November 1 and April 1, when there is little danger of oak wilt infection.
- We chip and haul away brush and small branches, leaving larger pieces for your use as firewood.
Customer notification
We will leave a card on your door before our pruning crews arrive in your neighborhood. A forester will determine the extent of the pruning needed. If it is significant, we'll contact you to discuss options. If we must remove a tree, we will ask for your permission.
Customer pruning
Before pruning your existing trees and landscaping, be sure to put safety first. Wear eye, ear and head protection. And don't work alone – especially when pruning large branches. If branches are within 10 feet of utility lines, can't be reached from the ground or are too large or decayed to manage easily, you should contact us to determine if it is safe for you to remove. For your safety, we may recommend an arborist or a professional to complete this work.
Questions?
Please call MGE Customer Service at (608) 252-7222 if you have questions or concerns about our tree work. Our ISA Certified Arborist will respond.