Vegetation Management.

How We Care for Our Trees

One of the most common issues that arise with utilities is vegetation growth onto wires. The City of Hamilton maintains this vegetation to prevent potential problems and ensure reliable power for city residents. The City of Hamilton uses various methods and strategies to ensure clear utility lines and prevent future issues by pruning/removing trees when necessary, clearing brush, and using herbicides.

As part of providing reliable service and minimizing outages, it is important that we maintain trees and other vegetation along power lines. 

Keeping Lines Clear

To maintain reliable service and minimize outages, it is important that Hamilton Utilities maintain trees and other vegetation along the lines that deliver electricity to our customers. We hire qualified, trained tree personnel to inspect and clear vegetation that poses a threat to our power lines. We use integrated vegetation management (IVM) practices that are based on the voltage and type of line, as well as the type of vegetation, rate of growth and its proximity to the line. 

It is important that if residents have overhanging wires in their yard, the right sized tree must be planted to ensure clear lines and prevent potential safety hazards caused by trees growing in electrical wires. If overhanging wires are within 20 feet of the planting site, a small tree or shrub that grows no more than 20 ft is needed. Trees 20-50 ft within wires should grow no more than 40 ft. tall. Large trees that grow 40+ ft must be planted at least 50 ft. away from overhanging utility lines.

Right Tree Right Place

The City of Hamilton’s Tree Ordinance 915 does not allow any resident or property owner to plant personnel trees in the public right of way due to safety issues regarding underground utility hazards unless they have an approved tree planting permit from the City’s Municipal Arborist.

For more information regarding on tree selecting, please visit https://www.hamilton-oh.gov/treeplanting

Our department systematically address vegetation that will interfere with the operation of power lines. 

We use specific information such as reliability data and other indications to prioritize lines for tree pruning and removal.

Please refer to the Hamilton Utilities- Tree Pruning & Removal Policies

Pruning & Safety Guidelines

Pruning

We use approved arboricultural tree pruning practices to maintain tree health while establishing a clearance between power lines and tree branches.

Our Vegetation Management Program uses approved arboricultural tree pruning practices to maintain tree health while establishing a clearance between power lines and tree branches. This technique was developed by the Tree Care Industry Association, approved by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), adopted by the arboriculture industry as its standard, and endorsed by the Arbor Day Foundation and the International Society of Arboriculture. 

“V” Trimming

Power Line Trimming Map

As part of providing reliable service and minimizing outages, it is important that we maintain trees along Hamilton power lines. 

The Lindenwald area is currently having vegetation trimmed until July 21, 2024.

While the City of Hamilton maintains vegetation in order to prevent emergency situations, power outages due to storm damage and other emergency pruning and removal still arises. These emergency clearances are unplanned and can occur any time of day and any time of the year.

Power Outages & Emergencies

Storm Debris. During times of Emergency Restoration of electric power outages, tree(s), tree limbs and/or wood will  not be removed by the City of Hamilton. Private property owners are responsible for tree(s), tree limbs and/or wood removal on private property.

Residents have two options for storm debris disposal:

1. ) Rumpke will pick up brush on garbage day that has been bundled in groups no longer than 4 feet in length and weighing less than 50 pounds.

2. ) Drop the brush off at the Hamilton Water Reclamation Facility:

   • 2451 River Road, Hamilton, OH 45015

   • April through October, every second Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm (noon)

   • For more information, call Hamilton’s Public Works Department at (513) 785-7206

What to Expect In an Outage or Emergency

Safety is our priority. The top three causes of outages are due to storms, animals such as squirrels chewing lines, and automobile accidents. 

If you experience a power outage or notice a problem with the City’s power lines, contact the City’s Emergency Utility Service at 513-785-7555 

– available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.