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:: Tree Removal

Why do Electric utility companies prune and remove trees near high voltage power lines?
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  • Public Safety
    • To prevent injury to people climbing or working in trees adjacent to power lines
  • Fire Safety
    • Trees in contact with high voltage power lines can act as an ignition source of fires.
    • Reduce outages
    • Trees represent one of the largest causes of power outages in California.
  • It's the Law!
    • State law requires utility companies to maintain specific clearances (depending on voltage running through the line) between electric power lines and all vegetation.

Reference California Public Resource Code Sections

  • 4293: Power Line Clearance Required
  • 4292: Power Line Hazard Reduction
  • 4291: Reduction of Fire Hazards Around Buildings
  • 4171: Public Nuisances

(http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html)

California Code of Regulations

  • Title 14: Minimum Clearance Provisions
  • Sections 1250 - 1258
  • General Industry Safety Orders
  • Title 8: Group 3: Articles 12, 13, 36, 37,38
  • California Penal Code Section 385
  • (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html)

California Public Utilities Commission
Plant It Right!

Homeowner Liability

Failure to allow a utility company to comply with the law can result in liability to the homeowner for damages or injuries resulting from a vegetation hazard.

Many insurance companies do not cover these types of damages if the policy owner has refused to allow the hazard to be eliminated.
 

Homeowner Prevention

You can help prevent electric outages, fire and public safety hazards.

  • Clearing all flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around your home and other structures provides the greatest chance for survival and is also required by law. (section 4291)
  • Plant the right tree in the right place. If you must plant trees near power lines, make sure the maximum mature tree height is ten feet away from the closest power line.
  • Plant fire resistant plants.
  • Never allow children to climb trees growing near power lines.
  • Never prune trees near electric lines. Call your local electric utility company first to inspect the trees. In many instances the utility may perform the tree work at no cost to the homeowner.
  • Inspect the trees on your property annually for hazards. For expert advice on tree health or hazards consult an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
  • This brochure has been created with the cooperation of the CPUC to inform you about electrical safety, fire prevention and pertinent rules and regulations that affect all homeowners.
  • The information here covers the general rules and regulations that effect all homeowners. You can make a difference by acting on this information. If you are interested in knowing more call us or your local utility. We're here to help!
  • California Public Utilities Commission / Utilities Safety Branch (CPUC/USB) 1 (800) 755-1447
  • California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, Headquarters (CDF) (916) 653-5123
  • California Homeowners & Utility Companies
  • The information here covers the general rules and regulations that effect all homeowners. You can make a difference by acting on this information. If you are interested in knowing more call us or your local utility. We're here to help!
  • Understanding our shared vegetation responsibilities
  • This brochure has been created with the cooperation of the CPUC to inform you about electrical safety, fire prevention and pertinent rules and regulations that affect all homeowners.

A message from the CPUC & CDF