Who is Responsible For Tree Limbs on Power Lines?

By Tree Expert Codey Stout
Published On

Tree limbs on power lines have been an issue for many years. It doesn’t matter where you live, tree limbs or branches ending up on power lines is a problem that needs to be corrected.

Tree Trimming

If you’ve ever looked out your window to see a power line covered in tree limbs, you may be wondering who is responsible for taking care of it. Is it the responsibility of the homeowner? The power company? The city? In this guide, we will answer that question and provide information on what to do if you encounter this problem.

What damage can tree limbs cause if they are on power lines?

Tree limbs on power lines can cause a number of different damages, some of which are quite serious. Some of the most common damages include:

Damage to electrical equipment

If tree limbs come into contact with electrical equipment, it can cause damage to the equipment. This damage can be expensive to repair and may even require replacement of the equipment.

Power outages

Another common problem that tree limbs on power lines can cause is power outages. If tree limbs come into contact with power lines, it can cause a break in the line, which will result in a loss of power.

Often, a tree limb damage due to weather or falling on a power line could cause an outage. It is well known that windy and stormy weather can cause tree limbs falling on the power lines.

Injuries

Another serious problem that tree limbs on power lines can cause is injuries. If someone were to come into contact with a power line that was covered in tree limbs, they could be seriously injured or even killed.

Fires

Finally, tree limbs on power lines can also cause fires. If a fire starts as a result of tree limbs on power lines, it can quickly spread and cause extensive damage.

Factors to consider

Who is responsible can depend on a variety of factors, including:

Who owns the land where the tree is located?

The first factor to consider is who owns the land where the tree is located. If you own the land, you are likely responsible for maintaining the tree. This means you may be liable if the tree falls and damages power lines or another person’s property. If the tree is located on public land, such as a park, the city or municipality may be responsible for its maintenance.

Who maintains the power lines?

The second factor to consider is who maintains the power lines. If the power lines are owned and operated by a private company, that company may be liable if a tree falls on them. However, if the power lines are owned and operated by a city or municipality, they typically will not be liable for any damages caused by trees.

What type of tree is it?

The third factor to consider is what type of tree it is. Some types of trees are more prone to falling than others. For example, deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and can become more brittle, making them more likely to fall in windy conditions. Pine trees have sharp needles that can easily pierce through power lines. If you know your tree is particularly prone to falling, you may want to take extra precautions to ensure it does not damage any property.

State or municipality you live in

The fourth factor to consider is the state or municipality you live in. Some states have laws that make property owners responsible for damages caused by their trees, even if the tree is on public land.

In other states, municipalities may be liable for damages caused by trees on public land. It is important to check with your local government to see what the laws are in your area.

In any case, it’s a good idea to know who to contact if you’re concerned about tree branches interfering with power lines.

The weight of the limbs

The fifth factor to consider is the weight of the limbs. If a limb is particularly heavy, it may be more likely to fall and damage property or power lines. If you think your tree may have limbs that are too heavy, you should consult an expert to help you determine whether the tree is safe.

So, who is responsible for taking care of tree limbs on power lines?

The answer to this question depends on where you live. In some cases, the homeowner is responsible for taking care of the tree limbs. In other cases, it is the responsibility of the power company or the city. If it is your responsibility, you may want to contact a company and compare emergency tree removal costs

Homeowners

Homeowners are typically responsible for taking care of tree limbs that are within their property boundaries and hanging over onto public property (like a street or sidewalk). If there is a problem with trees on your property that is causing damage to power lines, you will need to contact a tree removal company to have the trees removed.

If you are a homeowner and are responsible for taking care of the tree limbs on power lines, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent them from causing damage.

  1. First, make sure that you are regularly trimming the trees on your property. This will help to keep the tree limbs from getting too large and potentially causing damage.
  2. Second, make sure that you are aware of where the power lines are located on your property. Do not trim or remove any trees near the power lines.

Power companies

In some cases, it is the responsibility of the power company to take care of tree limbs on power lines. If there is a problem with trees on public property that are causing damage to power lines, the power company will usually send someone out to remove them.

Cities

Finally, in some cases, it is the responsibility of the city to take care of tree limbs on power lines. If there is a problem with trees on public property that is causing damage to power lines, you should contact the city and they will send someone out to remove the limbs.

What should you know about power lines?

Overhead power lines can be very dangerous. Fallen tree limbs and branches are one of the main causes of power outages, so it’s important to know who is responsible for keeping them away from your home’s electricity supply.

It’s important to stay away and do not try to touch or move them. Do not touch anything that is touching the powerlines. Stepping in a puddle that has a power line in it could be fatal. Don’t get anywhere near them. 

Professional tips to keep your tree limbs away from power lines

Here are some tips on how to avoid any trouble with your tree limbs and power lines:

  • Always call your local utility company before you do any trimming or removal near power lines. They will be able to advise you on the safest way to proceed.
  • Make sure that all branches and trees near power lines are trimmed back at least ten feet from the line.
  • If a tree limb does fall on a power line, do not approach it. Stay clear and call the utility company. Do not try to remove the limb yourself.
  • Consider your options when planting new trees. Make sure to choose varieties that will not grow too large and cause problems with power lines down the road.

Remember that trees are an important part of our landscape, but they should never be allowed to endanger public safety.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid any dangerous situations with your tree limbs and power lines. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cut the limbs yourself?

No, you should never attempt to trim or cut any tree limbs near power lines yourself. This is an extremely dangerous task that should only be performed by a certified line clearance arborist.

What if the limb falls and damages my property?

If a limb from your tree falls and causes damage to your property, you may be held liable. It is important to have your trees regularly inspected and trimmed by a certified line clearance arborist to help prevent this type of damage from occurring.

What if I see a tree limb that is touching a power line?

If you see a tree limb that is touching or hanging close to a power line, please call your local utility company. Do not attempt to trim or remove the limb yourself, as this could be extremely dangerous.

Should you just leave the limbs?

No, it is important to have any limbs that are close to power lines trimmed by a certified line clearance arborist. Limbs that are left unchecked can grow and eventually cause damage to your property or the power lines themselves.

Conclusion

The final conclusion is that it can be difficult to determine who exactly is responsible for tree limbs on power lines. In some cases, the homeowner or property owner may be liable, while in other cases, the responsibility may fall on the utility company.

It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a property owner when it comes to trees near power lines, and to take steps to protect both yourself and others from potential accidents. If you have any questions about this topic, please do not hesitate to contact an attorney or appropriate quarters for more information.

Meet Your Tree Expert

Codey Stout

Codey Stout is the operations manager for Tree Triage and has years of experience removing trees. His expertise has been featured in publications like Yahoo, The Family Handyman, Homes & Gardens, and many more. The only thing Codey likes doing more than removing intrusive trees, is removing unsightly stumps.
More Tree Removal Guides

Request A Free Quote

By submitting your info on this form, you are agreeing to be contacted regarding your service request by means of telephone, email, or text including using pre-recorded or auto dialed phone calls or text messages to the phone number you have provided, including your wireless number, if provided. Consent to contact doesn’t require you to purchase service. Please note you may be matched to one of our trusted partners such as Craft Jack or Angi. By using this service, you agree to our Terms Of Service as well as to Angi Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

WHY TREE TRIAGE?

Fast Free Quotes
Certified Arborists
Punctual Service
Best Pricing
Simple Payment Plans
Satisfaction Guarantee

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

OUR SERVICES

POPULAR LOCATIONS

See All Tree Service Locations

tree removal emergency

QUICK SERVICE ON EMERGENCY CALLS - 24/7


We’re available around the clock to respond to emergencies, including fallen trees or limbs that have damaged property or are obstructing access to your home. You’re just one quick click away from peace of mind!

TreeTriage brings you the best tree removal service, all at the click of button. Within seconds, you can book skilled arborists who have years of experience removing trees, grinding stumps, trimming branches, and much more!

Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy