The notice you're owed
For routine (non-emergency) trimming, Illinois law says an electric utility must (220 ILCS 5/8-505.1):
- give direct notice no less than 21 days and no more than 90 days before the work begins;
- notify the mayor or designee in a village like Oswego, or the county board chair for unincorporated areas such as Boulder Hill;
- notify affected customers directly, and property owners through a published newspaper notice;
- tell you what's planned, give a toll-free number to reach the utility, and state that you can appeal the planned work through the utility and the Illinois Commerce Commission, including the ICC Consumer Affairs number;
- follow the current ANSI A300 tree care standard and OSHA worker-safety rules.
Emergency work is exempt, and a village franchise or written agreement can set its own notice terms (same law).
How ComEd prunes
Cycle
Distribution lines are trimmed on a 4-year cycle, plus extra reliability work where needed (ComEd).
Method
Lateral and directional pruning back to a limb, so growth heads away from the wire. No "rounding over," no topping, no wound paint (same page).
Leftovers
Wood too large to chip is cut to length and left near the tree for you. Stumps are cut flush, not ground (same page).
How much comes off depends on the species' growth rate, the tree's mature size, how close it is to the line, the voltage, and the four-year cycle (same page). So "just a little" isn't always an option. If you'd rather the tree go than be cut back every cycle, ComEd says it will review removal candidates case by case at 1-800-334-7661 (same page).
Requests you can make
- Service-wire drop. ComEd doesn't do non-emergency trimming on the wire to your meter, but it will drop or de-energize it for free while you or a contractor trims, then reconnect it. You'll be without power meanwhile (ComEd). Its FAQ asks for at least 5 days' notice (ComEd FAQ).
- Line clearance. For trees near lines between poles on your property, ComEd's line-clearance trimmers can clear around the lines so a private contractor can safely finish. Ask for a written estimate (ComEd).
- Line maintenance investigation. Ask for an "LMI" and ComEd will see whether it can de-energize the nearby lines for a private contractor. The inquiry is free (same page).
- A private crew. Any contractor near lines should employ line-clearance qualified trimmers under ANSI Z133.1; you pay those costs (same page).
Phone and cable lines aren't ComEd's. Call your provider for those (ComEd FAQ).
Transmission lines are different
Near the big tower lines, ComEd keeps a "wire zone" under the wires plus 10 feet each side, where nothing that grows over 10 feet is allowed, and a "border zone" out to the edge of the right-of-way where trees are pruned or removed so they can't grow or fall into the wires (ComEd).
Planting under lines
ComEd allows trees with a mature height under 25 feet beneath distribution lines, and none under transmission lines (same page). A parkway tree is the Village's, so ask Public Works before planting or pruning there at 630-554-3242 (Village of Oswego).
A gentle reminder: ComEd says not to prune near power lines yourself (ComEd). For the rest of the tree, see tree trimming in Oswego, and for storm-season context, our Oswego storms recap.
Where this came from
Every page below was opened and read on Nov. 4, 2026. Programs change, so check the Village or Township before you plan around a date.