The Right Tree in the Right Place

Note: This story came from PG&E, but the other electric utilities also have tree safety programs. See the links at the end of this article.

From the tree inspectors with PG&E's Vegetation Management program who oversee 118,000 miles of overhead high-voltage power lines year-round, to the PG&E-approved professional tree trimmers who are uniquely qualified to work around high-voltage power lines, PG&E's team works hard to minimize hazardous conditions that could occur if trees grow too close to power lines. In addition to following its own comprehensive rules and regulations regarding tree care and safety, PG&E is also bound by state laws and the local tree ordinances of municipalities. PG&E, state laws, and local ordinances are each responsible for various aspects of tree care and safety.

But there is also one other party who is charged with responsibilities for tree care and safety: the tree owner.

SafeTree's 10-Foot Rule

Like PG&E, property owners are also responsible for complying with laws that regulate tree planning and maintenance. For example, after construction of new electric service lines to a home, Tariff Rule 16 requires the property owner to maintain adequate vegetation clearances. If the line clearance becomes impaired due to growing trees or other causes, the property owner must either correct the clearance infractions or pay the utility its costs to relocate the service facilities to a new location. However, if a tree has grown within 10 feet of overhead energized high-voltage lines, a tree owner should no longer attempt to perform tree-trimming work. State law requires that only qualified line clearance tree trimmers should work within 10 feet of high-voltage lines. Property owners should call PG&E at 1-800-PGE-5000 for an evaluation of any situation where a tree may be growing too close to a power line.

Clear Away Surrounding Vegetation

Property owners are also responsible for clearing away brush and overgrown vegetation to reduce fire danger. The first steps to making your property Fire Safe are as simple as taking a look at your own yard. Since January of 2005, California has a law that requires homeowners to remove all flammable vegetation within 100 feet of structures on their property. This creates a "defensible space," or a platform from which firefighters can work during a wild fire.

Check Your Local Tree Ordinances

Property owners should learn the tree ordinances put in place by their local municipality. Some ordinances may require that dead or diseased trees be removed, or may limit the species of trees that a homeowner can plant. For example, the San Leandro Uniform Fire Code states it is the property owner's responsibility to remove dead trees and other material that could support the spread of fire. The City of Sebastopol has a tree ordinance that states that no tree with a mature height of greater than 20 feet can be planted within 20 feet of an overhead power line. PG&E suggests that property owners annually inspect all trees on their property for hazards. If you find a potentially hazardous situation, call PG&E and ask for an inspector to visit your property.

Plant a Safe Tree

Ensuring that trees and power lines coexist safely requires all of us to meet our responsibilities. A great first step for the property owner is to plant the right tree in the right place!

If you are a property owner with questions, or would like to learn more about tree trimming, fire safety, or are concerned about specific trees near power lines in your area, contact:

• PG&E’s SafeTree Program:
  http://www.safetree.net    
• Southern California Edison’s Tree Program:
  www.sce.com/Safety/CaringForYourTrees/
• San Diego Gas & Electric’s Tree Program:
  http://www.sdge.com/safety/trees.shtml

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