Who is Responsible for Trees Around Power Lines?

Learn who is responsible for pruning trees near power lines and why it's important for safety reasons. Find out what factors should be considered when pruning trees near power lines.

Who is Responsible for Trees Around Power Lines?

When a tree falls on power lines, the power company that owns the lines is generally responsible for repairing them and restoring power. This is due to the National Electrical Safety Code, which requires power companies to prune trees that are in contact with power lines. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to climb or prune trees near power lines. It is also important to keep children away from these trees, as even momentary contact with a power line or a tree or branch that is in contact with it can cause serious injury or death.

If you notice a tree branch that contacts a power line or is close enough, contact your local utility company. Utility companies usually do rounds every 6 to 12 months to cut down trees near power lines. Taller trees can be blown away by the wind and tear down the line of the poles, which could harm bystanders. If the tree in question is less than 10 feet away from a power line, do not attempt to prune it unless you are a certified professional.

In some cities, the utility company may come in and cut off the trees without your consent. However, in most cities they have an inspector who goes around and notifies residents that their trees are close to power lines and must be pruned. Generally, landowners are responsible for the maintenance and conservation of trees on their properties, including pruning them away from nearby power lines. Even if the tree does not physically touch the power line, an overvoltage can cause an arc from the transmission line.

When it comes to pruning trees near power lines, there are several factors to consider such as the size of the tree, number of branches to be trimmed or removed, and size of the tree. This can be very dangerous as it can cause electrocution or even cause the tree to catch fire. If you have a tree near or in contact with a power line, it is recommended that you find a local arborist or tree trimming service and ask to have the tree pruned for you. When a tree touches a power line, stay away and warn others about it immediately before contacting the local utility company.

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