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What Should I Do If My Tree Is Touching a Power Line?

What Should I Do If My Tree Is Touching a Power Line?

Building near power lines may not raise concerns initially, but trees touching or brushing against utility cables can…

Apr 27,2024

Building near power lines may not raise concerns initially, but trees touching or brushing against utility cables can cause devastating damage. While trees add beauty and value to a property, their proximity to power lines can create serious safety hazards, prompting emergency tree removal services. If you find a tree on your property is touching a power line, the experts at Sesmas Tree Service can assess the problem and recommend effective strategies to prevent electrical hazards and potential property damage. Here’s what you should do if a tree in your yard touches a power line. 

What Should I Do If My Tree Is Touching a Power Line?

Assess the Situation Safely

The first step is to assess the situation from a safe distance. Do not approach or touch the tree if it is in contact with a power line. Tree service experts recommend staying at least 30 feet away from the site to avoid electrocution or death. If you prefer a hands-off approach, work with certified arborists to detect visible damage, such as broken branches or signs of burning, and determine if tree trimming or complete removal are viable options. 

Contact the Utility Company

Once tree service experts identify the contact area, they may collaborate with your local utility company to enhance safety. Utility companies can dispatch trained technicians to handle situations involving trees and power lines safely. If the contact is not considered a safety risk, schedule a planned tree pruning session to mitigate such incidents. 

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Avoid Attempting DIY Solutions

Attempting to address a tree touching a power line on your own is extremely dangerous and should be handled by a trusted utility or tree care company. Do not use ladders, poles, or other tools to dislodge the tree or contact the power line. Even a minor DIY tree trimming can risk electrocution and subsequent injuries or death. 

Follow Utility Company’s Instructions

When the utility or tree care company arrives on the scene, follow their instructions carefully. Technicians will assess the situation, determine the best course of action, and take steps to remove the tree from the power line safely. This may involve de-energizing the line, trimming or removing branches, or, in extreme cases, cutting down the entire tree. Cooperate with utility personnel and provide any help or information they may require expediting the remediation or tree removal process.

Preventive Measures for the Future

After the tree is safely removed from the power line, expert technicians often recommend preventive measures to avoid similar incidents. These include tree pruning, regular inspections, and removal to maintain a safe distance. Consult with certified arborists or tree care professionals for guidance on proper maintenance and risk mitigation strategies.

Suppose a tree touches a power line on your property. In that case, it can be a concerning situation, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in ensuring safety and preventing accidents. Contact Sesmas Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our experts to address the issue effectively and minimize the risk of electrical hazards and property damage.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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