Tree cutting in El Paso: hiring and cleanup

Contact the utility before work near wires

El Paso Electric asks customers to contact it when a tree stands within 10 feet of a power line. Report hanging branches caught in wires, sparking, or arcing at (915) 877-3400. Keep away from downed lines and sparking equipment, and do not move limbs or debris within that distance of a line. [1] [4]

The utility offers free trimming assistance for trees that threaten power lines and can send field representatives to inspect the area. Describe the location and visible problem from a safe position. Ask which branches the utility will address and whether you need to coordinate any remaining work with your own contractor. [1]

After a storm, utility contractors clear trees and limbs from electrical equipment when needed to restore service. They do not remove storm debris. Arrange a separate cleanup plan after the utility has addressed the electrical hazard; for removal unrelated to power lines, EPE directs customers to a landscape or tree contractor. [4]

Ask for an assessment and a defined cutting scope

Describe your goal before asking for a price: preserving a tree, clearing a roof, addressing a damaged branch, or removing the tree. If you want to keep it, ask the arborist to explain the proposed cuts and discuss alternatives to removal. Request an explanation you can understand before authorizing work.

Have each bidder identify the trees and branches included, equipment access, and how the crew will protect nearby structures and landscaping. Ask who will supervise the work, request proof of insurance, and ask about experience with comparable jobs. For an assessment, ask about the person's arboriculture credentials and how you can verify them.

Compare written quotes with the same scope. Ask bidders to separate assessment, cutting, stump work, hauling, and cleanup. For stump work, specify the proposed depth, whether the crew will remove grindings, and who will fill the remaining space. If the project involves digging, EPE advises calling 811 before work begins, even when you hire a professional. [4]

Choose a debris plan before accepting a quote

Ask the contractor to price hauling and identify the disposal destination. El Paso's Citizen Collection Stations serve residents and exclude commercial businesses and contractors. Resident access therefore does not establish a disposal option for your hired crew. [2]

For eligible residential debris, the city's special collection accepts brush, tree trunks, branches, and other green waste. Call Environmental Services at (915) 212-6000 to discuss the material and arrange pickup. The city excludes commercial or industrial generated material; confirm whether debris from your particular job qualifies before choosing a quote without hauling. [3]

The city publishes a $35 charge for five cubic yards or less and $7 for each additional cubic yard, with tax added. Ask how staff will assess the pile's volume and whether they have preparation instructions for your load. These disposal fees give you a cleanup option to discuss; they do not establish a price for cutting, removal, or stump grinding. [3]

Prepare access and finish with a walkthrough

Before the crew arrives, agree on the equipment route, parking, work area, and any neighbor access you need. Point out irrigation, yard lighting, gates, and surfaces you want protected. Discuss where the crew will place branches if you choose to arrange collection yourself.

For scheduled city pickup, place accepted bulky material at the curb by 6 a.m. Keep sidewalks and traffic routes clear. The city requires at least five feet between the material and containers, mailboxes, fences, walls, water meters, parked cars, and other listed obstructions. Check that you have suitable curb space before committing to this option. [3]

Walk through the completed job with the crew leader. Compare the work with your written scope, check the agreed cleanup and stump treatment, and record any remaining tasks. Ask for care instructions if you retained the tree and keep the quote, invoice, and completion photos together.

Residential special-collection charges by debris volume

Choose the first call and cleanup plan

Your hiring checklist

1. Check for overhead wires from a safe position and resolve utility coordination before authorizing cutting.
2. Photograph the tree and describe whether you want preservation, clearance, or removal.
3. Ask for an assessment explaining the proposed cuts and alternatives.
4. Request proof of insurance and verify any credentials the bidder claims.
5. Compare written scopes covering cutting, stump work, hauling, and cleanup.
6. Confirm disposal eligibility and arrangements before accepting a quote without hauling.
7. Agree on equipment access, property protection, and a completion walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can El Paso Electric trim my tree for free?

EPE offers free trimming assistance for trees that threaten power lines. Call (915) 877-3400 to request assistance and confirm the scope. For tree removal unrelated to a power line, the utility directs customers to a landscape or tree contractor. [1] [4]

Will utility crews haul away branches after a storm?

EPE contractors clear material from electrical equipment when necessary for restoration, but they do not remove storm debris. Arrange cleanup after the utility addresses the hazard. Do not move debris yourself within 10 feet of a power line. [4]

How much does city brush pickup cost?

The city publishes $35 for five cubic yards or less, then $7 for each additional cubic yard, plus tax. Brush, trunks, and branches appear on its accepted-items list. Call Environmental Services to confirm your material qualifies and arrange collection. [3]

Should I request pruning or complete removal?

Explain what you want to solve and ask an arborist to assess the tree before choosing. Request reasons for the recommendation and discuss whether pruning could meet your goal. Have the contractor write the agreed scope before work starts.