Are there trees growing near power lines in your local area? Then, utility line clearing is the solution, and you should call Stumps ‘R’ Us tree services. Trees growing in your backyard or around the neighbourhood make the community beautiful. But they need care and pruning especially if they start to impede into Ontario hydro lines – for the community’s safety.
Trees should grow at a distance of 15-50 feet from power and utility lines, depending on the size. And the height of a mature tree should be limited to 20 feet. Otherwise, there’s a risk of accidents. Plus, trees falling on utility lines during storms can cause more serious risks.
So, it’s important to get trees growing near utility lines pruned in time to prevent these types of issues. Every province and territory of Canada has a different set of landscaping rules. But there are some common factors. Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about utility line clearing.
What is Utility Line Clearing?
Utility lines for electricity, may have trees and other plants at the base or too close to the actual line wires. Such vegetation needs to be trimmed, pruned, or removed to prevent hazards. This is called utility line clearing.
Only certified arborists have the authority to perform utility line clearance. That’s because there are guidelines set by individual utility companies. Federal authorities of every locality and state also have specific tree clearance rules.
Why Utility Line Clearance is Necessary
Trees near electrical lines and other utility lines can be extremely dangerous. They can cause the following injuries or hazards to occur –
1. Electrocution
The moist wood of a living tree is a good conductor of electricity. So, if it comes in contact with power lines, electricity can pass through it right into the soil below it. If a person or animal comes close to the base of this tree, they can get electrocuted. The result will be severe injury or even death.
2. Fire
If a tree branch remains in contact with electric lines, heat can build up in it. As a result, it can catch fire, especially in the wildfire season when the air isn’t humid enough. The fire can spread from a single branch to nearby trees and buildings. It can cause real damage to your home, the community or result in death.
3. Utility Interference
Branches growing too close to overhead power lines, can cause strain on the wire, or if the branches fall… break the line completely. Tree branches can also mess with electrical systems and internet cords. They can cause power outages and network problems and lead to inconvenience. Such interruptions are more likely during high winds and severe weather.
Without timely tree pruning or removal, large trees can also be dangerous in other ways. Besides causing power issues or other utility disruptions, they obstruct local traffic. They can also damage your property and injure passersby and their vehicles.
Who is Responsible for Utility Line Clearance?
Trees on your property can pose a danger to public properties or the community. Similarly, trees on public property can interfere with your private lines. So, who has the right and responsibility to remove such vegetation? Let’s find out more:
Property Owner
If a tree grows on your property, it is within your rights and responsibilities to get it cut or removed. Whether the tree interrupts with your private lines or common lines, you need to clear it. However, a tree may spread across both your and a neighbour’s property. Then, its maintenance should be done jointly, and a local tree service company can safely perform the work.
City Trees & Maintenance
Trees growing on public properties must be maintained by the city. In fact, you don’t have the right to cut it or appoint an arborist to do the grooming. This is true even if it encroaches on your property, power lines, or other utilities. You can contact the authorities by calling 311 to inform them about the situation.
When Should Utility Companies Be Responsible for Tree Clearance?
Power companies are responsible for tree pruning and removal around electric lines. The federal laws require them to handle this task. Vegetation near service lines may also be cleared or maintained by other utility companies.
Utility Service Line Clearance vs. Standard Tree Services
Standard tree maintenance and removal aims to keep trees in good condition. They also ensure proper shape and height. Most property owners primarily resort to this for aesthetic appeal.
But it’s also an essential step towards safety and prevention of emergencies. After all, pruned trees can’t block underground gas lines, hanging power cords, or water pipes.
The best tree service companies have trained arborists. They can take care of trees growing on private properties. They also provide tree health checks, advice of planting location, etc.
On the other hand, you can consider utility line clearance to be an official business. It is precisely in association with service lines like power, gas, water, sewage, etc.
This type of tree service is performed to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. It may also be needed in the event of a service line emergency.
This service also requires trained arborists. But they should be licensed and qualified to cut and prune trees near energized lines.
Further, utility line clearance requires tree care insurance. And pruning and clearing of trees needs compliance with specific regulations.
Contact Stumps R Us for the Best Utility Line Clearance Services.
At Utility Service Line Clearance, we have a team of experienced arborists. We are a trusted name for our standard tree pruning and removal services. But if you are a property owner in need of utility line clearing, our licensed experts can help you out!
So contact us today! Let us make your property and your neighbourhood a safer place with Utility Line Clearing – for you and the others in your community.