If trees are disrupting power lines on my property, will the utility company pay to have the trees trimmed or removed?

Always

10%

Usually

22%

Sometimes

36%

Rarely

16%

Never

Not sure

Get Free Quotes Today!

Question: If trees are disrupting power lines on my property, will the utility company pay to have the trees trimmed or removed?

Top Answer (36% of 155 votes): Sometimes.

Answer: Sometimes
Explanation: If the trees are on your service drop it’s the homeowners responsibility.

Tree Life tree service

Answer: Sometimes
Explanation: Why a power company may remove a tree near power lines Safety & reliability risks: Trees that can contact energized lines (now or soon) create shock, fire, and outage risks—even without touching; electricity can arc to nearby branches under certain conditions. wapa.gov Transmission corridor rules: High-voltage transmission lines must keep mandatory clearances at all times; utilities must prevent any vegetation “grow-ins” that could cause faults, so hazard trees in the right-of-way are removed. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission +1 Right-of-way/easement obligations: If a tree is inside the utility’s easement, the utility is required to maintain that corridor for safe operation—which can mean removal when pruning won’t keep required clearance. National Grid Why a power company may not remove the tree Pruning is enough: On neighborhood distribution lines, many cases can be handled by pruning to an approved clearance instead of removal (following ANSI A300 pruning standards). Pembroke Pines +1 Outside their responsibility: For low-voltage service drops (the small line to a home), many utilities—including National Grid in Upstate NY—do not prune/remove; the homeowner typically hires an arborist while the utility temporarily drops or makes the line safe. National Grid +1 Location/ownership limits: If the tree is outside the utility’s right-of-way or municipal permission, they may lack authority to remove it; they’ll recommend private pruning/removal instead. National Grid Quick guidance for homeowners (Buffalo & WNY) If the tree threatens street/transmission lines, contact your electric utility first. If it’s by your service drop, schedule a certified arborist; we’ll coordinate with the utility to de-energize or drop the line during the work. National Grid

Reel Tree Service

Answer: Sometimes
Explanation: Whether the utility company covers tree trimming or removal depends on the exact location of the tree and the type of power line. If the tree is interfering with primary power lines (those that run from pole to pole on the street), the utility company will usually handle the trimming or removal. However, if the tree is affecting service lines (the ones that run from the street to your home), you're typically responsible as the property owner. It's best to contact your local utility provider before taking any action—they can assess the situation and let you know what they will or won’t cover.

Clean Green Tree Service

If trees are disrupting power lines on my property, will the utility company pay to have the trees trimmed or removed?

Related Questions