Ameren contracts with more than 300 tree-trimming crews who work year-round to monitor and trim trees on Ameren easements. When determining our maintenance cycle, we consider our objective of providing safe, reliable service, as well as the costs involved. The costs of maintaining the electrical system, including tree-trimming costs, are covered by our rates. It's a balance of providing you a safe, dependable electrical system, while keeping costs within reason.  

The directional pruning method we use is endorsed by the International Society of Arboriculture. Directional pruning, also known as "lateral trimming," removes only those branches that conflict with power lines. Rather than cutting limbs back to unsightly and unnatural stubs, branches are pruned back to the center of the trunk where trees normally shed them. Future tree growth is directed away from the power lines.

Directionally pruned trees are less susceptible to disease and insects, and the overall structure of the tree is stronger and more resistant to high winds and ice. Although the shape has been altered, it is recommended over topping or rounding of trees, which tends to promote quick re-growth of small, weakly attached shoots.

Faster growing trees will require more clearance than slower growing trees. Smaller, slower growing trees will require less trimming and are more suitable to be planted closer to electric lines. Ameren takes into consideration what type of species the tree is, how fast the tree will grow, how close it is to the electric lines and the type of voltage running through those lines.

The required distance between vegetation and power lines varies from line to line depending on the voltage, local ordinances and tree characteristics.

In older neighborhoods with overhead lines, placing lines underground is difficult and expensive. Many trees are already well established. Placing power lines underground would require Ameren to dig into the roots of the trees, possibly causing immediate harm and making them susceptible to disease.

First, understand that our tree trimming service is an integral part of our goal to provide you with safe, reliable electric service. Try to keep an open mind when our line clearance crews explain why trimming is occurring. By allowing our contractor to use the proper trimming techniques, your trees remain healthy, and the regrowth from the tree will tend to interfere less with power lines.

If you plant new trees, remember to plant the right tree in the right place.