Storms & safety
Tree near power lines: what to do and who to call
Updated · Guide by TreeRemovalServices.net
Short answer
If a tree or limb is touching a power line, stay away, treat the line as live and call your electric utility, or 911 if there are sparks or fire. Utilities clear trees from their primary lines; the service drop from the pole to your house is often the owner's responsibility to keep clear. Only line-clearance-qualified workers may work close to energized lines.
In an emergency
A tree on a line is an electrical emergency first and a tree job second.
- Stay back: Keep at least 35 feet away and keep others away. Don't touch the tree, the line, or anything touching them.
- Call 911 for sparks, fire or injuries: Then call your utility's outage line.
- Call the right utility: The company that owns the wires, not necessarily the one on your bill. In Texas's deregulated areas, that's Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas or TNMP; see Texas emergency tree removal.
- Wait for the line to be made safe: No tree crew can start on a tree touching an energized line until the utility clears it.
Who's responsible for what
Rules vary: for example, NV Energy seeks 10 feet of clearance on its high-voltage lines and makes owners responsible for the service line, and Evergy generally prunes for at least 10 feet.
Primary distribution and transmission lines
- Usually maintained by
- The utility
Service drop from the pole to your house
- Usually maintained by
- Often the property owner keeps branches clear; ask your utility
Street trees under lines
- Usually maintained by
- The city and the utility, depending on the city
Why regular crews can't work near lines
Electricity can arc from a line to a tree, a tool or a person without direct contact, and wet wood conducts. Federal safety rules limit work near energized lines to line-clearance-qualified workers, and ordinary tree crews must keep their distance. A legitimate company will tell you to call the utility first.
When utilities trim your trees
Utilities trim along their lines on cycles, often every few years, using directional pruning that guides growth away from the wires. The results can look lopsided, but they follow standards. Some states, like Connecticut, require the property owner's approval before a utility's contractors prune or remove a tree, with an appeal process.
Planting near lines
Plant only small-maturing trees under lines, and taller species well to the side. Many utilities publish "right tree, right place" lists. It's the cheapest way to avoid future conflicts.
Common questions
Will the power company remove a tree near my lines for free?
Utilities usually trim or remove trees that threaten their primary lines at no cost. Trees near the service drop to your house are often the owner's responsibility.
Can I trim branches near the line to my house myself?
Not while it's energized. Ask your utility about a temporary disconnect, or hire a line-clearance-qualified crew.
How far should trees be from power lines?
It depends on the voltage and the utility; many aim for about 10 feet of clearance on distribution lines.
Editorial note: this guide is general information written for homeowners. It isn't a substitute for an on-site assessment by a qualified arborist, or for legal or insurance advice.