Maintaining trees on your property

Weak and dying trees pose a danger to you, your neighbors and your electric service. Know the signs.

AES Ohio works year-round to trim dangerous trees and branches away from our power lines. But note that many power outages are caused by mature trees falling on lines from locations outside our trim zone.

The Miami Valley has been subject to insect infestations, for example, the Emerald Ash Borer, as well as high winds and extreme weather conditions. All of these factors can cause otherwise strong, mature trees to weaken.

Regular inspections can help you spot a tree problem early, before it becomes a safety hazard. Spring is a great time to inspect mature trees. Leaf canopies are not completely filled in and you can get a good look at the tree structure. AES Ohio encourages property owners to inspect trees following major storms as well.

By inspecting trees and addressing potential problems, you can protect your home, save lives and reduce lengthy power outages for your neighborhood.

Signs of unhealthy trees

• Branches: Look for broken or dangling branches, or cracks where branches attach to the trunk. Branches that are missing bark or growing fungus can be warning signs of decay.
• Leaves: A healthy tree has even, healthy-looking foliage. One of the most telling signs of an unhealthy tree is large dead branches or sections in a tree’s crown. Be sure to check for signs of insect damage on leaves, too.
• Trunk: Be on the lookout for insect exit holes, cracks and cavities, oozing wounds and sunken or missing bark.
• Base: Fungus growing near the roots can be a warning sign for decay. Cracked or heaving soil on one side of a tree may indicate it has started to uproot. A tree with dead branches in the canopy may start to sprout new offshoots near the base. This is another tell-tale sign that something may be wrong.

AES Ohio offers these tips to provide helpful information for our customers. If you have a question about trees on your property, please consult a certified arborist for professional advice.

Tree pruning

• Regular pruning can help ensure the health of your trees. Never attempt to trim a tree with power lines running through it.
• It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the service line—the wire(s) that run from the pole to your home or business—clear. We recommend hiring a professional tree service to do this trimming.
• AES Ohio 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.
• Customers can call AES Ohio at 937-331-4860 a few days in advance of the work to schedule an appointment.