Pleasant Ridge Issues DTE Tree Trimming Information
(City of Pleasant Ridge, Aug. 6, 2015)
DTE is in several communities doing tree trimming. This information is from the City of Pleasant Ridge, but may be useful for surrounding cities as well:
The City has received word from DTE that they will soon be starting tree work within the City. We are told that the tree work will be limited to the west side of Woodward.
According to DTE, their process will be as follows:
~Residents will receive a letter from DTE informing them of tree trimming work and the process by which it will be completed. The letter will include the information we are passing along here, and potentially other specific information.
~DTE Planners wearing yellow DTE energy vests and carrying ID badges will visually inspect properties. If tree work is necessary on your property, the DTE planner is supposed to knock on your door and leave an information tag that will describe the work to be performed.
~Tree slated for trimming will be marked with a white dot. Trees slated for removal will be marked with a red ribbon.
~DTE representatives are supposed to discuss work with property owners prior to beginning work.
~Once work is complete, DTE informs us that they will remove all branches, limbs, and other debris from your property unless you indicate that you would like for it to remain.
Residents should also be aware that DTE has a right-of-way easement surrounding their power lines, and that DTE has the legal right to conduct trimming or removal of vegetation within their easements. The Michigan Public Service Commission has also directed utility companies to expand efforts to “address trees that are outside of the ROW.” This entails trimming or removing trees that are outside of DTE’s legal right of way, and DTE states that they will only remove trees that are outside of their right of way if the property owner approves.
If trees on your property are marked with a red ribbon, we encourage you to work with DTE to verify if those trees are located inside or outside of their ROW so that you know what your rights are.
The City has limited ability to intervene, but we are willing to facilitate with DTE within our ability to do so. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall at 248-541-2901.
More on Pleasant Ridge can be found at http://www.cityofpleasantridge.org/.