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Got a Tree Near Power Lines? Here’s What You Need to Know

Sep 11, 2025

Trees provide numerous benefits to your landscape and the environment. From cooling your indoor spaces to boosting curb appeal, these magnificent entities are crucial in improving the quality of life. However, some scenarios make trees safety hazards, including proximity to utility lines. Regularly inspect your trees for overgrown branches hanging precariously or entire trees leaning near power lines. In such situations, Arbor & Acre can help you prevent potentially devastating damage and injuries. As a reputable tree care company, we can inspect, diagnose, and devise a tailored plan that keeps your home safe and functional.

The Dangers of Trees Near Power Lines

While a tree growing near utility lines may not initially raise concerns, leaving it unattended can pose serious risks. Here are common problems that arise when power lines and branches meet.

Electric Shock

From your elementary science, wood is not a good conductor of electricity. However, healthy trees contain water inside them, which allows the current to flow through. If you notice a tree rubbing against electric lines, anyone who comes into contact with it can get electrocuted or even die. The best solution to prevent electric hazards is to call a reputable utility or tree service provider. Professionals can shut off the power and prune overgrown limbs.

Fire Hazards

Power line damage often occurs during strong winds or adverse weather. In the case of tree-related damage, sparks can ignite nearby trees, causing uncontrollable fires that can spread throughout the neighborhood. Even if a fire doesn’t start, log limbs rubbing against the power lines can contribute to wear and tear. A reputable arborist can assess the potential risks and recommend effective solutions like pruning or complete tree removal in Abbeville, GA.

Power Outages

A short circuit is not just a fire hazard but also causes power outages. Nothing is more frustrating than an unplanned blackout due to an overgrown tree on your property. This sudden power interruption can leave you without air conditioning, refrigeration, internet, heat, and other essential amenities that improve the quality of your living or working spaces. Not to mention, it can strain your emergency facilities if the problem isn’t resolved quickly.

How Far Should Power Lines and Trees Be?

According to industry experts and tree service providers, a tall, mature tree should be as far from nearby power lines as its height. This means that a 25-foot tree should be about 25 feet away. While this is not applicable in small properties with tall trees, scheduling routine inspections by arborists can help. Professionals can recommend suitable species for your area and devise a planting plan based on your landscape layout.

Who is Responsible for Pruning or Trimming Trees Around Power Lines?

Once you detect long branches reaching towards power lines, you may wonder who to call for maintenance; is it your municipality or a local tree care company? If the tree is on your side of the fence, then you are responsible for clearing overgrown greenery rubbing against power lines. However, a tree on the street brushing against utility lines on your lot should be handled by the municipal government. Before deciding who is responsible, familiarize yourself with the local codes or consult a trusted arborist for guidance.

With winter around the corner, this is the best time to identify potentially hazardous trees. Arborists recommend conducting invasive maintenance tasks like trimming in early spring or winter to prevent severe damage and premature tree removal. Contact Arbor & Acre to book an appointment with our experts and keep your home safe throughout the year. We leverage extensive knowledge and specialized tools to efficiently prune and trim trees, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

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