Never Trim Trees Around Power Lines
Tree trimming around any power lines must be left to the professional. All power utility companies offer tree trimming around their power lines as part of the electrical service they provide. In some instances, it is illegal for a homeowner to trim any tree limbs that are within 10 feet of any overhead power lines. Some utilities may also charge the homeowner if damage occurs to the overhead power lines, that is caused by the trimming of tree limbs by the homeowner.
List:
Power utility phone number
Phone
Contact your local power utility to set an appointment for the tree trimming service to come to your home. This can be done with a phone call or you can go to the utility office and make an appointment. Tree trimming is part of your electrical service that you pay for each month.
Consult with the tree crew when they arrive. Describe to them which limbs are to be trimmed. Discuss with them if they will haul away the limbs, or if your are responsible for removal and disposal. In many cases, the power company will have limb shredding equipment attached to the truck and will clean up after the job.
Note the professional tree trimmer is wearing thick gloves and a hard hat. These two protective devices are basic equipment along with a pair of safety glasses over their eyes. The hydraulic bucket or ladder is constructed of non-electrical conductive material. Also note that all of the equipment is perfectly dry.
Stay clear from the tree trimmers work area as limbs will be falling to the ground at a rapid rate.
Words to the Wise:
In most all cases, homeowners do not posses the equipment or knowledge to perform any tree trimming around any power lines. The risk is too great.
In the event of storm damage, stay away from all downed trees that are near any overhead power lines. Leave all wires and tree limbs alone until the utility company arrives on the scene. Overhead power lines can carry voltages in excess of 17,000 volts.
