If a Tree Falls on Power Lines, Who Is Responsible?
Repair costs can add up quickly; here’s who will foot the bill
Highlights
Trees falling against power lines can create serious safety and fire hazards.
Utility companies are usually responsible for clearing downed trees from power lines.
Homeowners may be responsible for downed trees on their service lines.
Only a qualified pro should do the work.
Large trees pose serious hazards when they fall against vulnerable utility equipment like power lines. While power lines are sturdy, they aren’t designed to handle the weight of a tree. Overhead power lines are rarely insulated, so they can create electrocution and fire risks when damaged—as well as power surges and widespread outages. So, if a tree falls on power lines, who is responsible for cleaning it up? It’s usually the utility company, but our guide has all the details you need to know.
When It’s The Utility Company’s Responsibility
In most cases, utility companies are required by the National Electrical Safety Code to regularly maintain the trees around their power lines. Utility companies typically do seasonal checks and cut away tree limbs that are within 10 feet or so of power lines, which is how trees near the street get those telltale gaps. But that maintenance doesn’t always work, and sometimes storms or age will cause trees to fall against power equipment.
When this happens, it’s the responsibility of the power company to remove the tree and repair any damage to their equipment. If the tree was on your property, the utility usually has the right to access it via what’s known as a utility easement. This grants the power company the ability to enter parts of your property in order to maintain power lines and fix any problems that occur. You automatically agree to easements like this when you arrange to get electrical power to your house.
Be aware that the utility company usually won’t handle tree debris removal after the work is done. So if the downed tree was on your property, you could be stuck hauling away the wood.
When It’s The Homeowner’s Responsibility
As a homeowner, you may be responsible for a tree that has landed on your service lines, which are the wires that run from utility poles to your house. The utility company will sometimes handle this if it poses a public safety hazard. Otherwise, you’ll need to foot the bill to have the tree cut down safely.
Be aware that working near power lines is dangerous and puts you at risk of electrocution. So, any kind of tree clearing near power lines must be handled by trained technicians. Contact a local tree removal service and find out if they have the necessary experience to work near power lines. Don’t try any kind of cleanup on your own, even on your own property, until the pros have finished working and deem the area safe.
The cost of tree removal averages $750 per tree and may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. You can help avoid unforeseen expenses by regularly maintaining the trees around your property. This will allow you to kill a diseased tree or one that’s growing in a problematic area early, before it has the chance to cause a bigger problem.
When It’s Your Municipality’s Responsibility
If your home borders on public land such as a park, and a tree on that public land falls against a power line, it’s your municipality’s responsibility to arrange for repairs. If you’re not totally clear where your property lines are, a plat map will show you where your personal property ends and public land begins.
Many government websites have numbers and online forms to report fallen trees and similar damage. Contact them promptly if a tree falls near your land, especially if it’s affecting power equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cutting down a tree next to power lines is never a DIY job, and it’s a good idea to contact your utility company first. In most cases, the utility company will need to take care of any tree problems within 10 to 15 feet of power lines. If you want to remove the tree for aesthetic reasons, hire a pro to do the job. Trying to cut trees near power lines yourself can create many safety hazards, and you could be liable if you inadvertently cause damage to electrical equipment.
Steer clear of the area and contact your utility company immediately. It will have a website portal and/or a phone number to report downed trees and electrical issues. If the tree appears to be on public land, you may want to call your local government and report the issue there, too.
If it’s your property, then you can plant a tree near power lines, but it’s not the best idea. Any vegetation that grows within 10 feet or so of power lines will fall under the responsibility of the utility company, and they may trim or remove it as necessary. If you do move forward with your plan, try to choose a smaller ornamental tree, plant it as far away from the power lines as you can, and keep it trimmed to avoid future problems.
Call your utility company immediately. Do not go outside, even in your own yard, and keep pets indoors. Downed power lines pose a serious electrocution hazard. They can also cause large power surges that could damage your appliances, so it’s a good idea to shut down power to your home if possible. If your breakers trip, leave them off until the utility company finishes its repair work.