Who is responsible for trimming trees around powerlines?

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. This power line is called the “service drop.”

What happens if tree branches touch power lines?

They can cause power outages or momentary power interruptions when branches touch overhead lines. Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch can cause fires. And if you're standing too near the tree, electricity can jump from the tree to you, causing serious injuries or even death.

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

Remember: Trimming trees within 10 feet of a power line can be fatal. Never trim branches or limbs near a power line. It's the law: only OSHA-certified line clearance workers are authorized to trim near power lines.

Who is responsible for power line from pole to house?

Your electric company is only responsible for maintaining and repairing the following items: Wooden utility poles. Overhead and underground power lines. Electric service lines that run between utility poles and to your home.

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.

Who is responsible for tree trimming near power lines?

Does PG&E trim trees from power lines?

Tree debris management

PG&E and our tree contractors do not have the authority to remove wood because the trees on your land are your property. As a courtesy, tree crews cut larger limbs into more manageable lengths and leave wood on-site for customer use.

Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines in California?

Only specially trained tree trimmers can work near power lines. Homeowners who hire their own tree trimmers to prune or remove trees near wires must first notify SCE. This includes work on any tree within 10 feet of SCE lines or trees that could come in contact with wires or equipment if they fall.

Who owns the utility pole on my property?

The power lines between the power pole and your home, are owned by you (the homeowner). This means that if there is any problem with the power line between the power pole and your property, you will be responsible for their maintenance.

Can my Neighbour pass a power cable under my land?

A It is a principle of property law that, subject to exceptions, the owner of land also owns the air space above it. Therefore a third party is not entitled to install a wire or cable over someone else's land without first having the owner's permission; there are, however, exceptions to this.

Who is responsible for low hanging cable lines?

When confronted with what appear to be low hanging utility lines, you should first contact the utility responsible for the line, be it the local electric company or phone, cable, or internet provider. If the responsible utility is not known, the local electric company should be contacted.

How do you get rid of trees on power lines?

You can also report a power outage here. After that, call a local tree service company to remove the downed tree. They'll check with the utility company to make sure that the power is off, and will then remove the tree for you. If you want, they can also remove the tree stump.

Can tree limbs conduct electricity?

These are not freak accidents; they are preventable. Tree limbs can conduct electricity. When trees grow near overhead electrical wires, they can contact the wires and become energized. Trees and wires are dangerous, full of electrical power that can injure or kill humans.

Can I remove a branch from a power line?

Under no circumstances should you try and remove a branch or tree from a power line by yourself. Power companies have employees that are specifically trained to do this and have special equipment to protect them from electrical shock.

How do I know if there is a Wayleave on my property?

Obtaining a copy of Wayleave Agreements

In order to ascertain if such a document is available from the Land Registry you should look at your Title Register to see if the wayleave is referred to, which would normally be the case.

How much do you get paid for a Wayleave?

The payments can range wildly from 1% of your property value to 4%, certainly something worth pursuing. This is why we mentioned earlier using a wayleave agreement surveyor to claim for you.

What is the difference between an easement and a Wayleave?

In summary, a wayleave is granted to the person who owns the land and is terminable; an easement relates to the land itself and is permanent.

Can you put a fence under power lines?

A. Non-electric fences made of barbed wire or similar material directly attached to steel posts are adequately grounded and will not collect an electric charge. If you are planning to install a wire fence parallel to and near a power line, use at least one steel post every 150 to 200 feet to ground the fence.

Can Electric company Enter your property?

Do utility companies have right of access? Electricity power lines, water, sewer and gas pipes all form “utility apparatus” and as such, companies have statutory powers to enter private land under legislation such as the Electricity Act 1989, Water Industry Act 1991 and the Gas Act 1986.

Can I plant around a utility pole?

As a homeowner, you may be asking yourself what you can plant around power lines. Anything that reaches a max height of 15 feet is considered safe. Anything taller than that should not be planted under a power line. This generally means trees are a no-go, but shrubs and grasses are fine.

Does Edison cut trees?

Southern California Edison is out in the neighborhoods trimming, and in some cases cutting down, trees as part of its program of ensuring public safety and electricity reliability. “We have regulatory clearance requirements that we have to maintain at all times,” said David Guzman, manager, SCE vegetation management.

How close can a tree be to a power line?

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 SMUD remove trees?

We remove trees to protect your property from potential hazards and to prevent tree-related power outages. If we need to remove a tree on your property because of a potentially hazardous situation, we will contact you ahead of time. We will not charge you for the removal.

Who do you call if trees are in the power lines?

Only arborists (tree-trimmers) approved by your electricity supplier can trim trees close to power lines. They are trained and have specialist equipment for working near lines. Before planting a tree, call your local electricity supplier to make sure you won't dig into underground power cables.

Does PG&E own power lines?

Communication lines

We do not own or maintain these wires, and it's common to see trees and vegetation near them. If you see trees or vegetation growing too close to overhead power lines maintained by PG&E, or to request a free temporary service disconnect, please contact us at 1-800-743-5000.