The Line Clearing program has a project manager and inspector in the Urban Forestry Section of the Public Works Department that administer this program. The actual line-clearing work is conducted by a contractor that has expertise in working with trees around power lines. Generally, most public and private trees in the program are on a two-growing-season clearing cycle. Fast-growing trees are on a one-year pruning cycle, as are trees along electric lines in the foothills.
City staff and contract foremen pre-inspect areas for line clearance and then assign and schedule needed work to the contractor. The work includes clearing electric conductors, poles, span and down guys, transformers, traffic signal lights and street lights. Certain poles in the foothills and bay lands require annual clearance around their bases for fire prevention.
Often, power line clearing can result in a less than desirable tree form. However, in order to provide safe, reliable power (especially during windy conditions) tree limbs need to be kept clear. Every effort is made to balance clearance needs with the health of the tree. In some cases, removal of the tree may be the best outcome.