This thread makes me realize just how satisfactory our service has been from our electric cooperative.

The guys they contract for preventive trimming use a pretty heavy hand in trimming/defoliating brush and trees along country roadways, but they handle the stuff on residential property very nicely - nicely enough not to incur the wrath of my tree-loving wife. If we call them to report a tree that threatens the lines, they'll send a couple of guys out with a bucket truck who will take care of it pretty much exactly as requested.

Even in more urban areas, the power folks seem to make some effort to strike a reasonable balance between preventing power line damage and preserving historic "canopy roads".