What is the law concerning utility lines and trees?

Question

What assistance can I get regarding help with cutting tree branches that are hanging over utility lines? We live in Washington, DC

Please give me suggestions as to how to deal with Utility companies with problem. Verizon, Pepco are refusing to cut the hanging branches.

Answer 1

Mostly power companies are concerned with overgrowth and encroachment of high-voltage lines by vegetation. CATV and telephone providers usually just rent space on the poles from the owner who is usually the power company. Unless there is reason to (like new system upgrades, necessary repairs, etc.) cable and phone guys won't want to help you trim your trees. Often these systems can endure substantial overgrowth without any interruption of service. However when trees and vegetation make physical contact with energized power lines they become conductive and an unwanted part of the electric company's distribution grid. Nobody wants this, and your local electricity company is the ally you're looking for.
They often work a tree trimming crew exclusively to reduce hazard to their distribution system and thereby keep liability issues at bay. Politely inquire without demands or insinuations or threats and determine if your situation meets the criteria for attention. Remember the trees weren't planted there by the utility people--we'd NEVER plant directly underneath utility rightofway. If they don't think its an issue-you are on your own.

Answer 2

First, you need to determine if those tress are in a utility easement. Most utilities maintain an easement for their lines and are actually part of the land title. If the trees that you are complaining about are your trees then you will be held responsible for any removal. If they are your trees and they are planted or grow over an easement, you can be held accountable for any damage they may do to the utilities.

By no means do any work on these trees yourself. Only allow licensed tree removal experts to do the work. Trees and electricity do not mix well.

If you have contacted the power company and they refuse to do anything with the trees, your next step would be to contact the Washington DC Public Service Commission and lodge a complaint.

Good Luck

Answer 3

9 times out of 10 they'll leave the branches until one breaks power line or they'll wait and come do a massive cut back along the lines. It also depends on if the tree the branches are hanging from are on y our property or not.

Answer 4

All utilities report to a Public service commisssion of some sort. Here in Michigan, 1 call to them gets the Utilities jumping.

Answer 5

If the trees are on your side you have each and every good to be upset and he had no good to come again on on your components. He can trim the limbs on his side in basic terms even devoid of asking. Like each and every physique else suggested the only ingredient you're able to do is document a criticism and probable take him to small claims for destuction of components.

Answer 6

go ahead and it cut it for them. right into their line. take that out and i guarantee they'll clean up the mess.