It doesn’t matter if a tree tree falls on your property or has overgrown, encroaching branches. If the tree is too close to high-voltage power lines, there’s a risk of an electrical outage, fire, or the tree becoming energized and dangerous. Knowing who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines can help you contact the right person or company for help.
When people need emergency tree removal in Dunwoody, GA, they turn to SoutheastTree. Our highly trained, licensed, and insured crew often trim or remove trees near power lines. Here’s what we have to say about who’s likely responsible for the service.
Who’s Responsible for Trees Near Power Lines?
Trees have daily and seasonal growth cycles, so these majestic plants can easily branch out over time. Even if a tree isn’t near a utility pole with electrical wires now, it doesn’t mean it’ll never be a problem.
Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines? The answer depends on the tree’s location.
Trees on Your Property
Tree trimming is the property owner’s responsibility. In other words, if you’re a homeowner with a tree in your yard and its branches are growing too close to a power line, you’re responsible for cutting the limbs back. You’re also responsible for removing trees that fall or shed branches on electrical wires.
Trees on a Neighbor’s Property
Sometimes, trees in a neighboring yard can have branches that extend over the property line. If your neighbor’s tree has branches too close to a utility pole near your property, it’s still the homeowner’s responsibility. You can alert your neighbor of the problem and contact your local utility company if they don’t remedy it.
Trees on the Street
Utility companies will handle tree trimming for plants on public property. Some utility companies will trim trees near power lines that are close to the street, even if the tree is on private property. Still, you shouldn’t rely on that service since it’s not a guarantee.
Should You Remove a Tree or Branch on Your Property Encroaching on a Utility Pole?
Tree trimming might seem straightforward, but you shouldn’t treat it like a DIY project, especially when involving utility lines. For safety purposes, a qualified tree care service should handle the trimming. The process can be dangerous, and you don’t want to make incorrect cuts that ultimately harm the tree.
How to Prevent Trees From Nearing Electric Lines
Regular tree trimming is the best way to avoid problems with trees encroaching or falling on power lines. Depending on your tree’s species, you might need to book trimming services every one to five years. Still, you should visually inspect trees annually.
The Ideal Distance Between Trees and Utility Poles
Ideally, trees should be at least nine to 13 feet away from utility lines. Still, branches can spread wide and tall enough to reach the wires if you don’t trim them regularly. The last thing you want to deal with is a tree branch touching, breaking, or falling onto electric lines.
If you see a tree touching a power line in any way, don’t touch it. Contact your utility company immediately for help.
Contact SoutheastTree Today for Expert Tree Services in Dunwoody
Now that you know who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines, don’t hesitate to call SoutheastTree for help. As a premier tree care contractor serving Dunwoody, Georgia and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive services at affordable rates. From diagnosing bumps on tree leaves to providing emergency tree services, we do it all.
We at SoutheastTree have more than 20 years of industry experience and are committed to delivering honest, reliable results. Call (770) 977-8733 today to schedule an appointment.