Did you know invasive tree species can pose a threat to our ecosystems when they are not removed? That’s why DTE tree trimming professionals have been working with the city of Ann Arbor and its forester to remove invasive buckthorns in the nature reserve areas of Ann Arbor.
Recently, our crews have been working around M-14 and the Kuebler Langford, Bird Hills and Hilltop Nature Areas trimming trees, so we can access and rebuild the electric infrastructure that helps deliver power to homes and businesses in the area. When trimming, our arborists watch out for invasive tree species and remove them to help preserve the natural ecosystem.
We understand the beauty and environmental benefits trees bring to homes and businesses. After all, Ann Arbor got its nickname, “Tree Town” for a reason. So, we work to keep as much of the tree’s integrity in place as possible when trimming. Our arborists and tree trim teams follow industry standards and partner with several professional tree trimming companies, trained in safe and environmentally responsible tree care. If a tree poses a serious hazard to the power lines, and/or if trimming will damage the tree’s health, it may need to be removed.
Trimming trees in Ann Arbor will help improve reliability for our customers, especially during extreme weather. In fact, 50% of the time our customers spend without power is because of trees and branches coming in contact with our power lines.
This tree trimming work is just one part of DTE’s $20 million investment to modernize the grid in Ann Arbor. In addition to trimming, we also are installing new poles, reconfiguring more than 45,000 feet of overhead conductors and installing new underground conduit and cables.
Once complete, the work will increase safety, reliability and the grid’s capacity to support the area’s evolving energy needs. The added capacity also will support cleaner energy solutions like electric vehicles, as well as a more electrified future.
Construction is expected to continue in the Ann Arbor area through the end of April. Once work is complete, we will begin restoration of customers’ properties as necessary.
You can learn more about our tree trimming process here. Also, read more about our infrastructure improvement investment in Ann Arbor at empoweringmichigan.com/grid-modernization-project.