We love trees. Trees are beautiful and help provide shade and enhance our landscapes around our homes and businesses. So, when you see us out trimming trees, know that we are doing it to keep you safe and prevent service issues that can arise in the future. 

Did you know the majority of power outages are caused by tree-related issues? It is our job to ensure trees, branches and limbs are a safe distance from power lines.

Too close for comfort

Although most trees do not present a problem, some of them grow into or crowd power lines or other utility equipment. When greenery becomes too close for comfort, we have to address it because overgrowth can interfere with power distribution and create a fire hazard.

Power lines can give off a spark, or arc, that may land on a nearby branch and ignite. Additionally, the lights in your house may flicker when tree branches touch power lines during high winds. Stormy weather can also cause limbs to break off and land on lines.

Clear power lines make it easier and safer for linemen to access lines and fix problems that may occur. Pruning is the first line of defense against unruly trees, although sometimes a tree must be removed. This is a last resort for certain scenarios: when a fast-growing tree is located directly under a power line or for trees that are leaning, in decline, or cracked or split.

In your own yard

When hiring someone to trim trees on your property, know that most tree-care workers are not qualified to work around energized power lines. By law, only OSHA-certified utility line clearance workers are allowed to work on trees or branches within 10 feet of a power line.

Contact our office with questions about trees around power lines at 660-457-3733.