Trees, just like the rest of vegetation improve the aesthetic appeal of a property. When properly trimmed and maintained, and planted on the right paths, can bring unmatched beauty.
But their allure can turn into a safety hazard when the limbs overhang the power line serving your house.
When that happens, you should never try, let alone trim it. Doing this can compromise your safety, put the neighbors’ lives at risk from bodily injuries or worse still, death from electrocution.
By trying this, you will also be risking an electrical fire that can quickly spread to the rest of the properties in the vicinity.
In the discussion below, we draw our attention to how you can safely navigate the issue of trees overhanging power lines that lead to your house.
Tree trimming should be done by a professional
Risks of attempting the trimming through a DIY
Attempting a DIY on a tree that overhangs a power line is a major safety hazard not just to your life, but the rest of the people in the area. In the case where a tree overhangs a powerline, an electrical current will pass through it while the excess current will be lost to the ground. When you, your loved ones, or neighbors touch the tree, an electric current will also travel through your body and electrocute you. Apart from electrocution, fires may erupt in your home and spread throughout the vicinity.
This occurs when an electric current travels through and burns the flesh of the tree, thereby creating an electric fire. The fire is a safety hazard not just to you, but also to your family and the people in the vicinity.
Why you should never attempt combating a tree overhanging power lines
Even when the property on which a tree overhangs a power line belongs to you, you should not try to do the job by yourself. Unless you are highly trained and OSHA certified, you should never at any given time contemplate doing the job. The city and county disaster management authorities demand that such jobs be executed by people only trained and certified in that field.
Upon notifying the authorities, they first assess the situation and issue the permits to allow the professionals to trim such trees. Another major reason for not taking the DIY route with the trimming is that you do not have the necessary equipment to execute the job without jeopardizing your safety and that of other people around.
What then after trees overhang power lines?
Upon coming across trees that overhang power lines whether on your property or the area in which you live, do not panic. Instead, evacuate your loved ones from the scene and inform your neighbors of the same then notify the relevant authority. In case the said tree is on a public property for instance a road or a street, the utility provider will cover the trimming costs. But in cases where the tree occupies your property, the trimming and other costs become your responsibility. After notifying the relevant authority and obtaining the necessary permits, you should contact tree services immediately.
Who should do the trimming?
Legally, only two groups of individuals are licensed and certified to combat such issues; utility company workers and the persons specialized in tree services.
How to prevent trees from overhanging power lines
To avoid this scenario, professionals recommend that you schedule a proper maintenance regime on trees thriving on the right areas. Professionals recommend at least a 10m distance between your trees and the power line. This allowance leaves enough room for tree canopies to blossom without interfering with the line.
Moreover, you should pick the right varieties of trees that produce much smaller canopies. When it comes to the right varieties, the range to choose from is wide.
Conclusion
As previously mentioned, the issue of trimming trees that overhang power lines is critical and complex. This goes on to show just how critical it is to work with a highly experienced and licensed professional. Apart from keeping your loved ones safe from electrocution and possible fires, professionals in tree services can help you arrest this scenario before it occurs.
They can help you pick the right varieties to plant and the right distance to keep from the tree. They will also come in handy in the proper maintenance of the trees before they reach the stage of touching the power line. If you are unsure of how to go about choosing one, the utility company can recommend a good tree professional for the job.
