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who is responsible for trimming trees near cable lines

by Sharon Corkery Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Trimming trees and vegetation around the utility's power line that connects a person's home to the utility pole is generally viewed as being the responsibility of the homeowner.Dec 12, 2019

Full Answer

Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines?

Trees near power lines need to be trimmed by either yourself or your utility company to about a 15-foot minimum distance. If the tree is on your property then it’s your responsibility to have it trimmed. If it is on or partially on public land it’s up to the power company.

Who is responsible for trees hanging on cable and telephone lines?

Related questions Who is responsible for trees hanging on cable and telephone lines? The authority concerned and the owner of the tree. What is the difference between telephone and leased line? diffrent between telephone lines & leased lines

Does the Electric Company trim trees from overhead wires?

If you have a concern with the trees/shrubs growing into the wires comtact them and let them know they'll send someone out to look at it 11/16/11: This is not accurate - The electric company trims trees from their "PRIMARY" overhead lines (those usually highest up on the poles).

Does the phone company trim trees on phone lines?

However, at least in Pennsylvania, they do NOT trim trees from "secondary" lines or the lines going from the pole to your house. Furthermore, the phone company does no tree or shrub trimming whatsoever. I know, as I just reported tree limbs on a Verizon phone line and was told it's my problem.

Who is responsible for trimming trees around cable lines?

If the tree is on your land and threatening the lines, then it is your responsibility to have it trimmed or removed. Again, you should not do this yourself! This responsibility just means that you are the one who needs to schedule and pay for the tree's removal.

Who is responsible for maintaining trees around power lines?

electric utilitiesThe National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requires electric utilities, in most states, to maintain trees around power lines. The code, published by IEEE and updated every five years, seeks to keep both utility workers and the public safe.

How much does it cost to trim trees around power lines?

The average is usually somewhere between $400 and $800. If you need an arborist, the cost will go up. Pruning does more than just make a tree look better; it promotes health and new growth by removing branches that may be diseased, broken, weak, or that wrap around other branches.

Can I trim a tree that is touching a power line?

Unless you plan on getting electrocuted, you should NOT touch, let alone prune a tree that's in contact with power lines! Just touching a branch that's touching a wire can cause a fatal injury.

Whose responsibility is it to cut overhanging tree branches?

If you own the tree or hedge Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don't like the way it looks, it's up to you whether you do the work.

How far should trees be from power lines?

If your property is relatively close to power lines, stick to planting a tree that will reach a mature height of no more than 15 feet. If you wish to plant a tree that's over 15 feet tall, make sure it's at least 50 yards away from any power lines in any direction.

Does PG&E trim trees from power lines?

Customers are responsible for maintaining the service wire that runs from PG&E's electric pole to your home, and PG&E will not prune trees or vegetation along that line. You can request a free temporary service disconnect so you or a contractor can safely work around the service wire.

Does Edison cut trees?

In support of safety, we regularly trim or remove trees that are dead, dying, or diseased, or growing near or under power lines.

Does PG&E own power lines?

We do not own or maintain these wires, and it's common to see trees and vegetation near them. If you have concerns, contact your community phone, internet or cable service provider. For more information about tree and power line safety, visit pge.com/trees or call 1 800 743 5000.

Can tree branches conduct electricity?

It also depends on how the power source is grounded and how far away it is from the tree. Most power lines in residential neighborhoods have some insulation on them, primarily for protection from the weather. The trees actually a poor conductor of electricity so very little current flows through it to the ground.

Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines Qld?

Electricity entitiesWho Is Responsible for Tree Limbs on Power Lines in Queensland? Electricity entities in Queensland are responsible for trimming or removal of trees near their overhead electrical lines. This is according to current Queensland electrical safety guidelines.

Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines Vic?

Trees on your property must be kept clear of powerlines and the home occupier is responsible for this. You are responsible for the cutting of any trees on your property that may interfere with your own electric service line or private electric line, or a private electric line on an adjoining property.

How Far Should Trees Be From a Power Line?

Before we dive into discussing who is responsible for trimming trees that are near overhead power lines, it’s first important to know how far trees should be from a power line.

How Does It Work?

If your utility provider is responsible for cutting back the trees, they will continuously monitor tree growth near the lines that the power and maintain. Once the trees are a certain distance away, they will make arrangements to cut the limbs and branches back.

What if You Are Responsible for Trimming the Trees?

Though typically, in Southern Florida, the utility companies will cut back trees when they grow within a certain distance to overhead power lines, this isn’t always the case. In some locations, and with some utility providers, the customers are responsible for the tree trimming.

Make Arrangements Ahead of Time

If it is you, the property owner, who is responsible for trimming back the trees so that they don’t make contact with overhead power lines, make sure that you are diligent. Keep tabs on the position of the limbs and branches of the trees that grow near the overhead power lines that run in front of or along the back of your property.

What California property owners need to know

Who's Responsible for Trimming Trees Near the Powerline on Your Property?

Keep the Space

First things first, don’t get close to powerlines on your property. PG&E says you should stay at least ten feet away from powerlines. If you see a downed powerline, PG&E says to stay 25 feet away, call 911 immediately, and then call PG&E so that it can have a crew respond right away.

PG&E's Responsibility

PG&E said the top two lines on a utility pole are its responsibility, as they are the highest voltage.

Your Responsibility

Any lines on your property besides the top two distribution lines are your responsibility to keep clear, PG&E explained.

What happens when a tree limb goes into contact with a power line?

A tree limb coming into contact with a power line can cause a short circuit, which leads to a momentary outage that may or may not clear on its own.

Why do trees grow so close to power lines?

Safety issues arise when trees either grow too close to power lines or are in danger of toppling or breakage due to poor health or previous damage. The trees can contact the power lines when their weight becomes too much or in cases of high wind and rain.

What is required clearance between trees and power lines?

State laws require specific clearances between trees and power lines, and these can be adjusted in certain circumstances, such as when the threat of wildfires is elevated .#N#Certified arborists can assess trees before they infringe on the required clearance, estimating how quickly and in what direction a tree will grow. They can also spot evidence of rot or disease that would elevate the risk of breakage or a tree falling.#N#It is more cost efficient and easier for everyone involved if you can prevent a serious issue before it occurs. By putting a maintenance plan in place, a utility company can stay ahead of many potential problems.

What happens if a tree limb is damaged?

Damage to power lines by trees or tree limbs can threaten the safety of your employees as well as the public. Line damage could result in injury or death due to electric shock or electrocution. Downed power lines can catch people off-guard when they’re moving around their own yards, neighborhoods or parking lots.

When did tree trimming become mandatory?

Tree trimming by electric utilities became mandatory in the early 2000s. Failure to maintain trees around utility lines can incur sanctions and fines up to $1 million dollars per day. In addition to fines, tree damage can cost electric companies in other ways: equipment replacement, overtime pay to line workers, loss of public trust, ...

Can a fire spread from a dry brush?

In areas with a lot of dry brush, such as in drought conditions, a fire can spread quickly, threatening structures, people, wildlife, and your company’s public image. In addition, electricity can arc from the power line to nearby trees under the right conditions. This electric current can kill anyone caught near the tree and can cause a fire.

Can electric currents kill trees?

This electric current can kill anyone caught near the tree and can cause a fire. Equipment Damage. Tree limbs can snap off during storms or high winds, or simply under their own weight. They can damage utility poles, electrical lines, transformers or other equipment.

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