DTE official says utility wants to prevent outages and preserve aesthetics while trimming trees

June 25, 2026

DTE prioritizes trimming trees near powerlines to prevent damage during storms. WDET speaks to director of vegetation management and operations to learn more.

According to DTE, fallen trees are responsible for nearly half the time its customers spend without power.

According to DTE, fallen trees are responsible for nearly half the time its customers spend without power.

‘Tis the season for severe weather in Michigan.

That means it’s also the season when DTE officials say fallen trees can hit power lines and lead to outages.

Only about a third of the utility’s electric grid is buried underground.      

So DTE’s Director of Vegetation Management and Operations, Bill Hutchinson, says trimming trees near power lines is a priority.

This story is a part of WDET’s ongoing series, the Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.

    View all posts

Tags: ,