Tree Touching Power Lines in Texas? Who to Call and What Not to Do

A tree growing into a power line, or a limb resting on one after a storm, is one of the few tree problems where the first call usually isn't to a tree service. It's to your electric provider.

Never do this

• Don't touch the tree or the line, or anything in contact with them.
• Don't trim near lines yourself with a pole saw or ladder. Electricity can arc to tools and to people, and wet wood conducts.
• Don't let anyone without utility line-clearance qualifications work within the required distance of energized lines.

Which lines are whose

There are generally three kinds of lines around a home:

1. Primary distribution lines: the high-voltage lines on top of the poles along the street or easement. These are the utility's responsibility, and clearing trees from them is done by the utility or its qualified contractors.
2. The service drop: the line from the pole to your house. Utilities handle this differently. Many will temporarily disconnect or lower it so a tree crew can work safely, and some will trim around it. Call and ask.
3. Communication lines (cable, phone, fiber): lower on the pole. Lower voltage, but they still belong to their provider. Call them about damage.

What to do

If a tree or limb is on a line, or a line is down:

1. Keep everyone at least 35 feet away and assume the line is energized.
2. Call your electric provider's outage or emergency line, and 911 if there's fire, sparks or a line on the ground.
3. Wait until the utility has made it safe.

If a tree is growing toward lines but nothing's touching:

1. Call your electric provider and ask about their vegetation management or tree-trimming program. Many will trim trees near primary lines at no cost.
2. For the service drop to your house, ask whether they'll disconnect or lower it while a tree crew works.

After the utility has made it safe

The utility usually only clears what's needed for the line. They typically leave the cut wood and won't remove the rest of the tree. That's where a tree service comes in:

• removing the remaining tree or stump,
• cleaning up and hauling away the debris,
• trimming the tree back so it doesn't grow into the line again,
• or replacing it with something that won't reach the lines.

Plant the right tree in the right place

Many line conflicts start with a tree planted under a line years ago. Under lines, choose small trees and shrubs that stay well below them at maturity, and keep large shade trees like live oaks and pecans well away from overhead lines.

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines in Texas? Utilities generally handle trees near their primary distribution lines. For the service line to your house, policies vary, so call your electric provider.

Will the electric company remove a tree that's on a power line? They'll make the line safe, but usually don't remove the whole tree or haul debris. That's typically the homeowner's job afterward.

Can I trim branches near my power line myself? No. Leave anything near energized lines to the utility or qualified line-clearance workers.

How far should trees be from power lines? Utilities set their own clearance standards. For planting, keep large trees well away from overhead lines and plant only small species beneath them.

After the line is clear

Once your electric provider has made it safe, use the form below with photos and we'll handle the rest of the tree and the cleanup. More on our tree service · emergency tree removal.