DTE Trees Clearing Plans Criticized

In the wake of tree related power outages, DTE intends to cut trees more aggressively in Oakland County

The Detroit Free Press has reported on a story involving Detroit Edison’s tree clearing plans.  Click here to read the article.  In the story, residents in Royal Oak are complaining about DTE’s intention to remove trees, an intention that was only known as a result of white X marks appearing on trees. 

While the article never discusses the extent of the easement rights owned by DTE, to me it highlights the importance of understanding all of the rights being acquired by an easement so as to avoid nasty surprises.  Utilities will sometimes take a cut it now and deal with it later approach and remove trees based upon their foresters’ recommendations without first determining whether they have the legal right to do so.  Alternatively, they might cut the trees and leave behind a mess for the owners to clean. 

It is critical the property owners facing potential tree clearing activities understand exactly what the easements allow the utilities to do and take proactive steps to assert their rights before tree clearing happens.

If you have been confronted with issues relating to utility companies, please do not hesitate to contact me.