You look outside your home and notice the tree branches in your yard growing too close to a utility line. This growth is a serious problem because it only takes one branch to trigger a fire, injury, or electrical outage. But who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines?
Somebody has to contact the local utility company to address trees growing near power lines. Are you responsible for making that call, or should you be the one to book tree services in Shalimar, FL to address the problem? Our guide below explains the answer.
Who Is Responsible for Tree Trimming Near Powerlines: The Homeowner or Utility Company?
Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines? In most cases, local utility companies handle vegetation management near electrical lines since they have the expertise to avoid electrical hazards. Yet, that’s not always the case.
Homeowner Responsibilities
As a property owner, you must pay attention to the growth of the trees on your property. If branches grow too close to a nearby powerline, you should contact your utility company to alert them of the problem. These agencies often have programs for dealing with problematic trees on easements and private property.
If you alert the company to the issue, and they don’t have a tree care program, you may be responsible for resolving the problem. That doesn’t mean you should climb a ladder and cut the branches yourself—the risk of electrocution or a fire is too great.
Instead, you should call a local tree care company specializing in tree trimming and removal around power lines. Not all tree services offer this solution, so you should only hire one with experience with this particular situation. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid a dangerous situation.
Utility Company Responsibilities
The National Electrical Safety Code requires utility companies to trim trees around power lines. However, that rule doesn’t apply to every state. Still, those who follow the code must plan and follow a tree-trending schedule around electrical lines to stay compliant and maintain community safety.
When To Call an Arborist for Help
You should avoid planting trees within ten feet of power lines. This distance creates the minimum safety clearance to prevent branches from growing too close to them and creating a hazard. If you notice a plant in your yard has branches growing within a few feet of the line, it’s time to contact tree care experts to trim them.
Call Tri-State Tree Service for Emergency Trimming in Shalimar
Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines? The answer depends on several factors, including the plants’ location and state safety codes. While you should never trim plants near electrical lines to avoid hazards and injuries, you may need to contact the appropriate authorities to handle the problem.
At Tri-State Tree Service in Shalimar, FL, we specialize in tree trimming and pruning. Our crew has decades of experience providing emergency and routine tree care maintenance throughout the area. If it’s time to remove encroaching branches, call us at (850) 876-8003 and review our tree trimming guide today.
