Columbia, South Carolina – A new round of utility maintenance is set to begin across Columbia next week, as Dominion Energy prepares to start scheduled tree trimming work on Monday, April 6, 2026.
The work will take place daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in a wide stretch of neighborhoods, marking the start of another effort aimed at keeping overhead power lines clear and electric service dependable.
The project will move through communities including Bradley Community Council, Godbold Place Homeowners, Rochelle Heights/Victory Gardens Neighborhood, Druid Hills Neighborhood Association, Forest Hills North, Glenwood, Ashewood Homeowners Association, Strathaven Forest Neighborhood, Capital View, East Lake Homeowners Association, Avalon Place Neighbors, Meadowfield Neighborhood Association, Columbia Industrial Park, Elmwood Park Association, and the Cottontown/Bellevue Historic District.
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While tree trimming can sometimes look dramatic in the moment, city and utility officials say the purpose is straightforward: safety and reliability.
Vegetation growing too close to power lines can create hazards and increase the risk of service interruptions, especially during storms or periods of heavy growth. Under the trimming guidelines, crews will remove vegetation within roughly 8 to 12 feet below and beside the lines, and as much as 20 feet above them.
The work itself will be carried out by Dominion Energy’s contractors, but the process will not unfold without oversight. The City’s Certified Arborists from the Forestry and Beautification Division will closely monitor the trimming as it moves from one area to another.
According to the city, the pruning will follow International Society of Arboriculture standards and use ANSI A300 methods, which are designed to make proper cuts that support healthy regrowth rather than careless removal.
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In some locations, the effort will extend beyond branches and limbs. Dominion Energy’s re-conductor work in select areas will also include pole replacements and new wire installation, another step intended to strengthen system reliability over time.
Taken together, the work reflects a familiar but necessary part of maintaining the electric grid, balancing neighborhood appearance with the practical demands of keeping power flowing.
Residents who want to know when crews will reach their area can follow activity in real time through Dominion Energy’s tree-trimming tracker.
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Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the City of Columbia’s Forestry and Beautification office at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at 1-800-562-9308 before work begins nearby.
Additional details about trimming practices, along with guidance on planting trees and vegetation near power lines, are available through Dominion Energy’s tree trimming information page.
