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Helpful resources Trees and power lines ReliabiliTree tree trimming program

We trim to keep
your power lines safe.

We’re serious about our responsibility to keep trees away from power lines. We want Kansas trees to stand strong through all kinds of Kansas weather, so our tree experts trim them all year ’round to keep ice, snow, wind and storms from wreaking havoc. Our proactive efforts are paying off.
In trimmed areas, tree-related power outages have dropped by more than 60 percent.
Year-round trimming is a smart way to keep families safe and preserve the beauty of Kansas trees for generations to come.


We recognize how much beauty trees add to our neighborhoods, so we take special care to prune them properly:
• Each tree is evaluated on an individual basis. Only branches that may impact overhead lines are removed.
• We follow the approved Tree Care Industry pruning standards.
 Directional pruning methods allow for trees to attain normal regrowth for their species. It’s the best method for safety and your tree’s health. Directional pruning also prevents future problems. Your tree may look different after pruning, but in the long run, it will be less susceptible to pest problems and decay.

Pruning methods

  • Each tree is evaluated on an individual basis. Directional pruning methods are most commonly used by professional crews, whereby only those branches that may impact overhead lines are removed.
  • Trees are pruned according to the approved Tree Care Industry pruning standard. It allows for the tree to attain the normal regrowth for the species and is better than other pruning methods for safety and your tree's health.
  • Your tree may look different after pruning, but in the long run it will be less susceptible to pest problems and decay.
  • Some trees with a single main trunk are not good candidates for directional pruning. These trees may be pruned below the lines in order to obtain required clearance.

Trim for Safe Program

  • This allows the tree owner to call Westar's Vegetation Central at 855-WESTAR-5 (855-937-8275) to have trees pruned by a Westar line clearance contractor. 
  • In this case, the tree will be pruned back at least 10 feet from the Westar line, and the tree owner is responsible for all debris left by the Westar contractor.

Westar responsibilities and customer responsibilities

  • Westar Energy line clearance is responsible for power lines that run from pole to pole (in our easement).
  • Service lines that run from the pole to the home are the customer's responsibility.
  • As a service to our customers, Westar will temporarily remove the service line so that arrangements can be made with a professional to remove necessary tree limbs.
  • As soon as the work is complete, Westar will return and restore service.
  • Debris left by the professional is the responsibility of the professional's company or the property owner.
  • Contact our Customer Relations Center to schedule a temporary removal of service - 800-383-1183.
  • Because restoring our customers' power during an outage is our first priority, tree limbs and debris are left onsite for the tree's owner to remove. 

ReliabiliTree frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the program?

ReliabiliTree helps improve electric service reliability by mitigating one of the main causes of power outages - vegetation near power lines. ReliabiliTree puts circuit clearance on a four to six year cycle. The program supports Westar's core value of safety for its employees, contractors and the public.
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When did the program begin?

ReliabiliTree began as a pilot in the Wichita metro area in 2010 and is currently active in all regions of Westar's territory.
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How does ReliabiliTree differ from current tree trimming practices?

Our past approach to trimming trees has been on an outage-based priority system. For many circuits, this may mean trees are not trimmed for eight to 10 years. With ReliabiliTree, we will trim trees on four to six year cycles.
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How much of a problem do trees pose to our electrical system?

Trees and power lines are natural enemies. When trees come into contact with power lines, electric service is hampered and, more importantly, a dangerous situation is created for both the public and our employees in charge of keeping the lights on. In a nutshell, the goal of Westar's ReliabiliTree line clearance program is to balance safe, reliable service with preserving the health and appearance of trees.
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How much of a difference does clearing trees under power lines make to customer outages?

In areas where we have cleared circuits of vegetation, tree-related power outages have dropped more than 60 percent.
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What are the orange markings on my tree?

We use orange paint to help crews identify trees that need attention. A single orange dot means a tree needs to be trimmed. Double orange dots mean a tree is a good candidate for removal. A long orange line is used for small volunteer trees that will be cut down. The markings are placed toward the bottom of the tree, if the tree is accessible. A door hanger with this information is left at each residence before work is started.
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What will my neighborhood look like after work is completed?

Like you, we appreciate the many benefits trees provide our homes and communities. That's why ReliabiliTree follows the same tree-pruning practices recommended by the International Society of Arboriculture and by the Tree Care Industry Association. The species of tree determines the amount of pruning. After pruning, the tree may look somewhat "stark," but in time it should fill out.
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Why is work being done near my house but not at my house?

Crews are assigned work by electrical circuits. In some areas, multiple circuits feed a particular neighborhood. This is why you might see work performed near your house but not on the lines that serve your home.
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Wouldn't it be better to bury the power lines?

Burying power lines is very costly and presents many challenges. Customers may experience longer interruptions with buried power lines because it takes more time to determine the cause and make repairs. Excavation work may also be required to diagnose and repair problems with buried power lines.
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Will ReliabiliTree crews clear the branches along the line that goes from the pole to my house?

ReliabiliTree crews clear branches along lines in the utility easement (from pole to pole). Trimming along service lines from the pole to the home is the customer's responsibility. Upon request, Westar will temporarily remove the service line so customers can have branches along the service line trimmed. We will return to reattach the service line once the customer notifies us the work is complete. Depending on the situation, Westar may trim trees or remove vegetation. Call our Customer Relations Center at 800-383-1183 to schedule this service.
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