The world wouldn’t be the same without powerlines. The same could be said of the world’s assortment of trees. However, trees and powerlines don’t do the best job of co-existing. Sometimes, homeowners are faced with the problem of a tree approaching (or about to reach) a powerline. Powerlines connecting with trees are a potential fire risk and can cause serious power faults. Gardeners are tasked with tree trimming as their personal, legal responsibility if a tree surrounds their property. State services will only remove or trim trees where they’re standing on state ground—usually, this doesn’t include your front yard or immediate home environment. Are you facing the all-too-common issue of trees and powerlines? Here’s when to call a professional tree trimmer and what to do when the tree technically isn’t on your property.
Trees and Powerlines: When to Call a Professional Tree Trimmer
The Danger of Trees and Powerlines
Trees and powerlines aren’t just an aesthetic issue but are related to safety. Powerlines are powerful conductors, and trees are flammable. Wind can worsen the potential danger, forcing the two too closely together.
Electrical shortages, outages, and fires could all be triggered by a touching tree.
Since electricity can also jump when exposed. Branches that are too close to powerlines can be enough to trigger a potential fire.
Broken, falling, or diseased branches can also break through powerlines, causing even more damage with possible added dangers.
How Often Should You Trim Trees?
Regular tree trimming is a good idea, at least once every few months. Growth should be thinned out to make room for new leaves. Dead growth, heavy branches, and damaged tree limbs from pests and disease should also be cut to size.
How often to trim can depend on the environmental conditions or the type of tree. Some trees are more fast-growing than others.
Specifically related to powerlines, you should trim branches that come too close (within a couple of inches) of powerlines. Logically, one should also trim away any branches that may be headed in that direction, even if they aren’t there yet.
Know When to Call a Professional Tree Trimmer: Approaching the Danger Zone
Powerlines should never be obstructed or have anything touching. Anything that touches a powerline could cause damage to the line. This becomes an added risk if it were to fall. Powerlines are strong cable systems that run live power—and all it takes is one spark for a massive, uncontrollable fire.
Trim trees long before they reach the danger zone and touch powerlines.
Sometimes, regular trimming is enough to keep the tree’s growth under control and away from powerlines. However, other times, you may want to remove or transplant the tree.
Trees and Powerlines: Not a DIY Job
Tree felling and trimming around powerlines isn’t a DIY job and requires specific skills, a steady touch, and the right equipment.
Some tree trimming jobs require electricity to be temporarily switched off for safety reasons. This involves an official request for it first.
Even if you’re used to tree trimming, doing the same job near live powerlines isn’t close to similar. More danger is involved, and calling a tree trimming professional is the only way to guarantee you’re doing it safely.
Always call a local tree service company with skill, equipment, and experience.
Tree Felling and Removal
Tree felling and trimming aren’t the same job in technical terms—however, the terms are often used interchangeably by gardeners for shorthand. Trimming refers to cutting back, while felling intends to cut back on larger branches.
Trimming trees should be done regularly throughout the year, and felling is technically the type of large-scale job you need in an emergency (or for a huge tree).
Hire A Professional Tree-Trimming Company
Trees and Powerlines don’t mix. Professional tree care companies have the knowledge and experience to ensure safety and avoid damage to your property. Trimming and maintaining trees come with safety risks, especially with large trees near powerlines.
Regular care and maintenance of your trees add to the overall aesthetic of your yard and leave you with peace of mind. Now is the time to call your local tree-trimming service company.
Tree Services of Omaha – Tree Removal Services
Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and shrubs Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injection (Tree Healthcare).
Contact us today for a free estimate!