If a Tree Falls on Power Lines, Who Is Responsible?

Large trees pose serious hazards when they fall against vulnerable utility equipment like power lines. While power lines are sturdy, they aren’t designed to handle the weight of a tree. Overhead power lines are rarely insulated, so they can create electrocution and fire risks when damaged—as well as power surges and widespread outages. So, if a tree falls on power lines, who is responsible for cleaning it up? It’s usually the utility company, but our guide has all the details you need to know. 

When It’s The Utility Company’s Responsibility

In most cases, utility companies are required by the National Electrical Safety Code to regularly maintain the trees around their power lines. Utility companies typically do seasonal checks and cut away tree limbs that are within 10 feet or so of power lines, which is how trees near the street get those telltale gaps. But that maintenance doesn’t always work, and sometimes storms or age will cause trees to fall against power equipment.

When this happens, it’s the responsibility of the power company to remove the tree and repair any damage to their equipment. If the tree was on your property, the utility usually has the right to access it via what’s known as a utility easement. This grants the power company the ability to enter parts of your property in order to maintain power lines and fix any problems that occur. You automatically agree to easements like this when you arrange to get electrical power to your house.

Be aware that the utility company usually won’t handle tree debris removal after the work is done. So if the downed tree was on your property, you could be stuck hauling away the wood.

When It’s The Homeowner’s Responsibility

As a homeowner, you may be responsible for a tree that has landed on your service lines, which are the wires that run from utility poles to your house. The utility company will sometimes handle this if it poses a public safety hazard. Otherwise, you’ll need to foot the bill to have the tree cut down safely.

Be aware that working near power lines is dangerous and puts you at risk of electrocution. So, any kind of tree clearing near power lines must be handled by trained technicians. Contact a local tree removal service and find out if they have the necessary experience to work near power lines. Don’t try any kind of cleanup on your own, even on your own property, until the pros have finished working and deem the area safe.

The cost of tree removal averages $750 per tree and may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. You can help avoid unforeseen expenses by regularly maintaining the trees around your property. This will allow you to kill a diseased tree or one that’s growing in a problematic area early, before it has the chance to cause a bigger problem.

When It’s Your Municipality’s Responsibility

If your home borders on public land such as a park, and a tree on that public land falls against a power line, it’s your municipality’s responsibility to arrange for repairs. If you’re not totally clear where your property lines are, a plat map will show you where your personal property ends and public land begins.

Many government websites have numbers and online forms to report fallen trees and similar damage. Contact them promptly if a tree falls near your land, especially if it’s affecting power equipment.