The safety of its customers, communities and employees, Southern California Edison has stated, is its No. 1 priority.

State regulations require utilities to trim or remove trees and vegetation so they don’t grow into or fall into high-voltage power lines. That could not only cause a power outage but could spark a fire or be a danger to the public.

This year, certified arborists have inspected 27,000 trees in SCE’s Arrowhead district. About 3,600 trees have been deemed a hazard and need to be removed.

What is a hazard tree?

They are dead, dying or diseased trees or trees with a structural defect. Site conditions and environmental conditions are also considered when assessing a tree as a hazard.

Every tree within striking distance of SCE’s overhead equipment will be assessed for its potential for failure.

SCE understands that removing so many trees can be disruptive to the community but the work is necessary for public safety. To prevent a prolonged disruption, SCE has been dispatching a large number of tree crews to the area to address the hazard trees.

What can residents expect?

Hazard tree removal crews will be working throughout the area – including Crestline, Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs and Green Valley Lake – through the end of the year.

SCE has attempted to notify affected property owners of the need for hazard tree removal. The tree removal crews will attempt to notify the property owners 24 to 48 hours prior to the scheduled tree removal. If there is no answer, a door hanger will be left with contact information.

Because large trucks and heavy equipment will be in the areas where trees are being removed, traffic control will be set up to ensure traffic and pedestrian safety.

Residents with questions are asked not to engage the crews removing the trees. Rather, they should contact Palemon Picena, the customer coordinator, at (559) 515-1431. Emails may be sent to [email protected].