Dangerous trees near power lines! Hearing it, what first comes to mind is trees that grow their branches, trunks, or roots close to the power lines. The power line itself is a dangerous object. And when any trees reach it, they become potentially more dangerous, since contact with energized wires may result in fires, outages, and even electrocution.
The golden rule is if the branch of any tree gets closer than 10 feet to an overhead power line, you are not supposed to trim it by yourself. Better to contact specialists rather than take out your ladder and chainsaw. It should be noted that vegetation causes the biggest number of power outages in the USA.
If you have already seen a branch touching the wire through your window, or even a dead tree leaning on the power lines in your region, then you are not alone in this. Here, we are going to talk about the reasons why such trees should be removed, who should be contacted about it, and how to deal with them safely.
What Makes Dangerous Trees Near Power Lines Such a Big Deal?
A tree does not have to be in contact with a power line for it to be dangerous. Electricity may arc through an open space, “flashing over” as they say. That means that even a branch which appears to be nearly, but not actually, in contact with a power line is capable of carrying a deadly shock through it and through the tree.
There are three main reasons dangerous trees near power lines matter so much:
- Safety. Being touched directly or indirectly by a live wire will kill a person instantly. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states that tree trimming close to power lines is among the most dangerous jobs in outdoor activities, where electrocution and falling account for most tree trimmer deaths.
- Reliability of electricity. The utilities say that vegetation interaction is a number-one source of unexpected power interruptions, and the U.S. Department of Energy claims that blackouts are estimated to cost Americans about $150 billion annually.
- Fire hazard. A sparking branch in dry weather against the wire can start a wildfire. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission identifies trees’ interaction with power lines as a main cause of big wildland fires in the USA and Canada.
Understanding these risks is the first step. The next is knowing exactly what to look for in your own yard.
Trees Near Power Lines: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Not all trees close to the lines constitute a crisis situation, yet there are some indications of danger that will require calling in professionals. Look for the following:
- Tree branches touching or rubbing against the wire
- A leaning tree towards the line
- Dieback, barkless branches, or fungus growth on the tree trunk (indications of a need for a dead tree removal near power lines)
- Sparks, buzzing sound, or burnt smell around the tree
- Lines sagging after the storm
- Heaving roots close to the utility pole (will eventually cause the utility pole to fall)
Safety box quick tip: What to do when you see a downed line
Always treat a fallen or sagging power line as energized, even if it looks de-energized. Stay at least 35 feet away, keep pets and children away, and dial 911 and your utility company.
Who Is Responsible for Cutting Trees Near Power Lines?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on which part of the line is involved. Here is a simple breakdown.
| Area of the Line | Who Is Usually Responsible |
| Main distribution lines (pole to pole, running down the street) | The utility company, through its own vegetation management program |
| The service drop (the line running from the pole to your house) | Usually the homeowner, though some utilities will trim it on request |
| Trees entirely on private property, not touching any wire | The property owner |
| Trees on a shared easement or right-of-way | Often the utility, but easement agreements vary, so check your property deed |
In case you do not know whose line it is, just contact your utility company, and it will give you the information in no time. They will cut trees around their primary distribution lines without charging anything, as it is good for their equipment too. As far as any other trimming or cutting on your property is concerned, just hire a professional tree service.
Can You Cut Trees Near Power Lines Yourself?
Technically, it could be done. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would strongly advise against it, and it is a very good thing. According to the federal safety guidelines, every person who is not a line-clearance arborist must keep a distance of at least 10 feet from any energized power line.
OSHA Minimum Approach Distance (Unqualified Workers) – Voltage less than 50,000 volts – Minimum distance required of 10 feet. Voltage greater than 50,000 volts – 10 feet + 4 inches per 10,000 volts over 50,000 volts.
| Line Voltage | Minimum Distance |
| Up to 50,000 volts | 10 feet |
| Above 50,000 volts | 10 feet, plus 4 inches for every 10,000 volts over 50,000 |
Can you clear trees near the power lines that exist on your land? If the tree or its branches do not exist within that 10-foot radius and they have no contact with any equipment, then yard work is all right. Once you are inside that radius, the general arborist, licensed though he may be, is not necessarily qualified for such a task.
Only the line-clearance arborist, a trained professional with knowledge of electric hazards, can undertake the task in close proximity to the live conductor. This is not a recommendation; this is federal law, and it is because even momentary contact with a power line with 13,000 – 34,500 volts is lethal.
That’s the very reason why trimming trees near power lines is a service best undertaken by those who are certified, insured, and trained professionals like those at Monkeyman’s Tree Service.
How to Trim Trees Near Power Lines the Right Way
Tree trimming around electric power lines is different from regular yard work. There is a special procedure for this type of job that ensures safety for the people doing the work as well as for the electrical lines.
The professional tree pruning procedure
- Assessment of site. An arborist makes an assessment of the tree, determines the line voltage, and selects the safest angles for the cuts.
- Coordination with the utility company. In case of working near primary distribution lines, either the utility company is informed about it or the line is de-energized.
- Directional pruning. The branches are pruned to the next lateral branch or trunk, not the nearest one.
- Special equipment. Any work that is done at the minimum approach distance from the power lines should be performed with insulated tools, buckets, and personal protection gear.
- Clearing and disposing of debris. All pruned branches are taken away from the property.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Pruning a tree through topping rather than directional pruning which results in rapid growth and growth into the wires
- The use of a metal ladder or pole saw around a line
- Believing that the line is dead simply because there is no electricity in it
- Waiting until the branch is touching the wire instead of making an appointment for regular trimming
- Employing an unlicensed team in order to cut costs
Tree trimming near electrical lines is important for more than just safety. This process of pruning near power lines is essential for the well-being of the tree in the long run. Pruning near power lines should be conducted within a period of two to five years depending on the species.
Removing a Dangerous or Dead Tree Near Power Lines
At other times, removal of the tree may be the only way to ensure safety, especially when the tree is either dead, diseased, unstable, or positioned too closely to the power line such that there is no way trimming can sort out the problem.
The process of tree removal near the power lines entails:
- A complete risk assessment from a licensed arborist to verify the need for removal
- Cooperation with the utility company if the tree can touch the main line when being removed
- Segmental removal, whereby the tree is removed piece by piece as opposed to removing it all at once
- The use of rigging and rope systems to lower the weighty segments rather than letting them fall on the ground
- Where it is a very big and uncommon utility situation, using aerial saws or even helicopters to cut near power lines
The issue of removing dead trees near electrical lines is especially critical. A dead tree is no longer held together by the same strength that allows it to stand strong and stable against the wind, making it likely to fall with much less notice than a live tree. If you have a dead tree or a sickly tree near any line, do not wait until the next big storm.
Whether it is tree removal near electrical lines in the Pacific Northwest region or seeking tree removal in a booming area such as Spring, TX, the principles of safety are going to be identical across the country.
Monkeyman’s tree removal team and emergency tree service crews are equipped to safely handle removals of this kind, including storm-damaged trees that have already made contact with a line.
Reporting Tree Limbs on Power Lines Near You
If you find a limb touching a wire that is neither on your property nor whose ownership you know, it is best not to do anything yourself. Instead, follow the procedure below:
- Identify the location of the problem, including the closest cross street or utility pole number if available.
- Contact the utility company in your area regarding vegetation management or outages through their non-emergency contact channels.
- If the wire is sparking, smoking, or fallen on the ground, then call 911 first.
- Take a picture of the situation from a safe distance, if possible.
This is due to the fact that most utility companies have an online form or a hotline specifically dedicated to reporting limbs touching live wires and respond much quicker to such complaints as opposed to regular services.
Best Trees to Plant Near Power Lines
When planning a new landscape, selecting the proper type in the first place means less pruning down the road, and prevents future problems from occurring. The “right tree, right place” initiative by the Arbor Day Foundation is the accepted guide in the industry on this matter, while each utility has its own list of accepted trees.
| Distance from Overhead Line | Recommended Mature Height | Example Species |
| Directly under or within 20 feet | Under 25 feet | Serviceberry, dogwood, crape myrtle, redbud |
| 20 to 50 feet | Under 40 feet | Japanese maple, magnolia, hawthorn |
| Beyond 50 feet | Any size, including large shade trees | Oak, maple, pine, spruce |
Additional tips on planting that may come in handy:
- Remember to always consider the spread of the tree when it is full-grown, not only its size at the time of purchase.
- Stay clear of fast-growing trees such as willow, silver maple, and poplar when it comes to proximity to any power line. Rapid growth and soft wood predispose them to being the most common cause of interruptions.
- Don’t forget to contact your power utility before planting directly under the power line. They often have free consultations available and an approved list of trees for your specific region.
Planting Trees Near Buried Power Lines
This is not the only problem that you should take into consideration. If you plant shrubs near the buried electrical cables, it might also pose a hazard because of the roots growing through the underground conduits or damage done by digging to the cable.
Whenever you need to dig more than an inch deep, call 811 – the national “call before you dig” phone number – and let all the underground utilities be marked for free.
Dangerous Trees Near Power Lines at a Glance
| Situation | Recommended Action |
| Branch touching a distribution line | Call the utility company immediately; do not touch |
| Dead or leaning tree within 10 feet of a line | Schedule professional removal right away |
| Tree healthy but growing close to a line | Schedule routine directional pruning |
| Planning new landscaping near a line | Choose a small-statured species and check utility guidelines |
| Downed power line on the ground | Stay 35+ feet back and call 911 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Whose job is it to trim trees near power lines?
Ans: It is the responsibility of the utility company when it comes to the primary power lines on the street, while the responsibility lies with the property owner regarding the trees on his or her property and, in most instances, the service line going to the house.
Q2. Is it permissible to trim trees near power lines yourself?
Ans: Yes, only if the tree is outside the 10-foot minimum approach distance set by OSHA for unqualified workers. For anything that is closer to the energized power line, only a qualified line-clearance arborist can do that.
Q3. How much does it cost to trim trees near power lines?
Ans: Tree trimming costs depend on the size of the tree, its proximity to the power line, whether there is coordination with the utility company, and the use of a bucket truck.
Q4. What are the risks of trees near power lines?
Ans: There are mainly three major risks, including the possibility of electrocution by either direct or indirect electrical arcs from power lines, house fires caused by sparks, and power outages resulting from the falling of the tree or branch.
Q5. How can I report tree limbs hanging on power lines in my area?
Ans: You should contact the vegetation management or the outage reporting line at your local electric utility. In case there is sparking or downed power lines, you should call 911 first.
Q6. Which types of trees are good to plant near power lines?
Ans: It is advisable to plant smaller types of trees, which have a maximum mature height of 25 feet, including varieties such as serviceberry, dogwood, redbud, and crape myrtle.
Q7. Is there a permit required for removing a tree near a power line?
Ans: It is necessary to get a permit to cut down a tree in most municipalities, whether near power lines or not. However, your power company might need to be notified separately.
Protect Your Property and Your Power Supply
There is no reason to delay in handling potentially dangerous trees growing near power lines. Whether it is the issue of electric shock, the likelihood of an expensive power cut or the fire hazard due to dry weather, a little branch near the wire today might become a real threat tomorrow. What’s more, you can avoid practically all of the mentioned troubles with routine inspections, proper trimming, and careful tree choice.
In case there is a tree growing too close to the wires on your property, don’t allow the rain to make your decision for you. Get yourself a free estimate from Monkeyman’s Tree Service and get your trees assessed by a certified arborist.