Berkley Asks Residents To Get Ready For Tree Trimming

Berkley announced plans to work with DTE Energy’s tree trimming program this year so that trees don’t encroach on power lines. The city released a map showing the parts of town where DTE plans to trim trees in 2018. According to the announcement, the trees need this tending to avoid “power outages and other potential safety hazards are frequently caused when tree branches grow too close to power lines.”

The city wants homeowners to know they may see DTE workers in yards and neighborhoods inspecting power lines and trees. DTE staffers wear high-visibility vests and carry DTE ID badges, so they should not look like strangers simply looking at homes. If DTE needs to trim trees on a property, a worker in a DTE vest with an ID badge will knock on the home’s door. If no one is home, DTE will leave a “Tree Work Scheduled” card, with a phone number the homeowner can call with any questions about the work.

Trees that pose “a serious hazard to power lines” or that may be irreparably damaged just by trimming may be taken down, according to officials. If DTE believes a tree must come down, workers will leave more information than the usual door card, and will “make considerable attempts” to work with homeowners before cutting down any trees.

The City of Berkley doesn’t own utility poles or power lines, officials say, but add that Berkley city council and staff provide assistance to DTE to make sure fewer power outages affect the area.

For more information about the 2018 tree trimming program, call DTE at (800) 477-4747.

Map courtesy of the City of Berkley.