Overgrown trees and other vegetation are one of the main causes of power outages. American Electric Power's forestry teams help prevent outages across all seven of our Operating Companies and the eleven states we serve by keeping trees and vegetation from interfering with utility power lines and tools.

A regular trimming cycle is approximately every three to five years, but spot inspections occur regularly to see if there is anything that may become an issue so they can be addressed proactively and prevent outages.

Crews work with property owners to communicate upcoming work, discuss how the process works and to address any concerns prior to the work. Trees and other woody-stemmed plants are removed to control vegetation growth over the long term.

Different methods of clearing vegetation are used such as manual with hand-held tools, mechanical with motorized equipment and aerial with a helicopter using an aerial saw.

The transmission's vegetation program helps balance the needs for reliable service with respect for the environment.

"One tree branch interfering with high-voltage transmission lines could cause far-reaching, extending power outages across multiple stages and regions," said Mike Lascola, external affairs manager, AEP Ohio.

Appalachian Power clears more than 5,000 miles along their rights of way each year to ensure service is safe and reliable.

In 2024, over 2,500 miles of power lines were inspected, cleared or trimmed by Indiana Michigan Power. Since 2021, their efforts have reduced tree-related power outages by 29%.

In 2023, Kentucky Power's tree trimming efforts included improving customer reliability by installing 1,459 switches, maintaining 1,397 miles of vegetation, replacing 271 poles, replacing 1,409 cutouts and removing 22,816 trees outside the right of way.

I&M also partners with the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Potawatomi Zoo in South bend through the Branch to Browse program. The forestry crews bundle fresh trimmings and deliver it to the zoo. The zoo staff will then provide trimmings to the animals, whether it's for a bird to build a nest or a snack for others.

Approximately four years ago, AEP Ohio and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium started Forestry Fridays through their Trim to Treat program. During Forestry Fridays, Columbus Zoo guests are invited to a complimentary visit with the opportunity to feed a giraffe some fresh twigs and branches from AEP's forestry efforts.

These efforts help provide safe, reliable electric service, while keeping in mind the health and beauty of the trees where you live and work.