FAIRHOPE, Ala. Early summer is a good time to prep your yard in advance of hurricane season, and for many, that means trimming branches or cutting down trees, according to a city news release.

But before you drag out the step ladder and chain saw, make certain that you can safely remove branches or trees without damaging power lines, according to the city’s electric department

 “The first thing to know is that if you plan to trim anything within 10 feet of power lines, you really need to contact trained, experienced tree-trimming professionals,” said Scott Sligh, Fairhope’s electric superintendent. “Trimmers who are trained in line-clearance know what lines are hot and how to safely work around them. When you look at the wires between the poles in front of your house, you’ll see multiple lines, for cable, phone and electric. For safety sake, assume that all lines are hot. You don’t want to cut any of them, but cutting into an electric line can be deadly.”

 Utility companies contract with tree-trimmers to keep lines free from low-hanging branches, the release stated.

“Homeowners don’t always want their trees cut back, but branches that touch or fall on wires can cause power outages, and no one wants that either,” Sligh said, “so trimming trees is necessary. We ask homeowners to be cooperative when tree trimmers show up on their street.”

Those who choose to trim their own trees should follow common safety practices, Sligh says.

“The first thing to know is that the Fairhope Electric Department will come to your house, free of charge, and temporarily move a service line so that you can work safely around it. We do this for the homeowners safety and to reduce the potential for damage to the lines.”

Call the city at 928-8003 to inquire about this service.

The city’s electric department offered these additional tips for safe tree trimming:

 • Trim trees and branches on days of calm weather, not in rain or wind.

 •  If using a chain saw, make sure you have read the manual and know how to use it properly and safely, and with proper equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

 •  Determine where the tree or branch will fall and that it won’t damage anything—including you—on the way down.

•  Inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing, and do not climb with any cutting tools in your hand.

•  If a partially felled tree is lodged against another tree or a building, make small cuts to slowly release the tree and be alert to anything that might be thrown back as the tree falls.