Why do they plant trees under power lines?

To provide you with safe, reliable service, most power companies maintain trees and other vegetation along their power lines. You can do your part to help keep trees healthy and prevent power outages by planting the right tree in the right place.

Why do people plant trees under power lines?

Their purpose is to replace important plants for wildlife in areas where brush and tree removal can leave an area bare. Planting restrictions for trees and other vegetation vary widely for different types of utility power lines— electric transmission, electric distribution and gas pipelines.

What happens if you cut a tree down on a power line?

If a tree falls on power lines, then the electric utility company that owns the lines is generally responsible for repairing them and restoring power.

Do trees touching power lines conduct electricity?

“Trees conduct electricity and can create a safety hazard if limbs grow too close to electric lines.” Be sure that no one climbs a tree near power lines. If branches are touching the wires, the tree could be energized. Even branches not touching power lines could become energized if a child's weight is added.

Do power lines affect tree growth?

We were surprised to find that maple trees growing up under power lines were profoundly influenced by the lines. They tended to develop a bifurcated "Y" formation as the limbs seemed to grow away from the lines themselves. We call this effect "electrobonsai" because it looks like it might have been shaped by humans.

Tips for Planting Trees around Power Lines

Can you plant trees over underground power lines?

Do not plant near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow and interfere with underground pipes, cables and wires. Future repairs to these facilities also could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees.

How far away from power line should you plant a tree?

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.

Why do birds not get electrocuted on power lines?

When a bird is perched on a single wire, its two feet are at the same electrical potential, so the electrons in the wires have no motivation to travel through the bird's body. No moving electrons means no electric current. Our bird is safe, for the moment anyway…

Who is responsible for trees around 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.

What happens if a tree touches a power line?

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. There are several things that can go wrong for do-it-yourselfers trying to trim tree branches.

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 you pull a branch off 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 you tell if a power line is live?

There's no way to tell if a power line is live from just looking at it. Even if the power line isn't actively sparking, always assume that it's carrying electricity. When you see a downed power line, make sure that you don't touch the utility pole or any objects touching the wire.

Can tree roots damage underground power lines?

Can tree roots damage underground power lines? Yep, and the harm is nothing but a headache. Roots can damage the protective coating found on underground lines, which can interrupt your or your neighbors' utility services.

Does Ohio Edison cut trees?

Our vegetation management program helps minimize storm damage and power outages. However, the program does not clean up trees and limbs downed by storms. When emergency efforts to restore power require the removal of trees or limbs from power lines, the trees or limbs are left in as safe a manner as conditions allow.

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.

Why do they trim trees?

Tree Pruning Encourages Tree Growth and Structure

With proper pruning, a tree can be made to grow into a certain configuration of limbs and branches that is more ideal for the structural integrity of the tree. Maintaining the tree's structure helps to mitigate the risk of broken limbs and falling branches.

Can Alabama power cut trees on my property?

We trim or cut trees only where we have a legal right to do so and only where we believe it is necessary. Our employees who manage our tree-service contractors, along with the supervisors of our contractors, are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Why do electricians work with one hand?

When working on high-voltage circuitry, many electricians like to place one hand behind their back because this way there is little chance for each hand to touch objects of different electrical potentials and cause a shock.

Why can't humans touch power lines?

This is a common misconception that many people have about power lines. Power lines are not insulated and you should always avoid contact with them. It is quite possible for people to get electrocuted if you touch power lines.

Why do birds not fly at night?

Nocturnal birds mostly fly around at night to do their own daily activities such as foraging, hunting, mating, etc. For diurnal birds, as it is not typically normal to see them flying around at night, they only fly at night for two reasons: (1) escaping from threats and (2) migration.

What trees can be planted near power lines?

Can I plant around a telephone pole?

So, if you have a power pole on your property you can garden around yours as well, and, as long as you adhere to the rules, there will be no need for SDG&E to trim your trees or remove your landscaping.

Can you plant a tree on top of a gas line?

Trees, large shrubs, and plants with a woody stem, such as manzanita and juniper bushes, should be planted at least 10 feet away from the gas pipeline, and 14 feet for larger trees.