Pruning Near Powerlines
In BC there are many tall growing trees which are too close to power lines. For safety, and to ensure reliable electrical service, they must be pruned repeatedly, or removed. Any trees which might fall and hit power lines should be removed. Brush and immature trees which will grow large enough to come in contact with the overhead conductors must be cut back or removed.
What Can You Do To Help?
Be aware of powerlines.
- Don't approach a fallen line. Contact BC Hydro immediately!
- Be careful and aware of lines when pruning your own trees.
- Ensure that your trees are maintained and in good health.
- Be aware of which trees could grow or fall on power lines.
- Inspect trees regularly for flaws or signs of decay.
- When removing trees near power lines, use professionals or call BC Hydro for advice.
- When planting, don't plant tall-growing trees under or near power lines.
Why Prune or Remove Trees
There are two very important reasons: public safety, and to ensure reliable electrical service for you.
1. Public Safety
Severe public safety hazards can be created by trees near power lines. There have been many incidents of serious injury or death resulting from electrical contact caused by trees. This can happen in many ways:
- Trees can be conductive, that is, they can carry an electrical charge. A tree touching a power line can become energized and injury could result from touching the tree.
- Wires knocked down or broken by trees (especially during storms) can remain live, creating extreme danger from contact.
- Pruning or working in trees near power lines might result in inadvertent contact leading to serious injury or death.
- Children in danger: Climbing or playing in trees near power lines can be extremely dangerous. Contact with the line could cause electrocution.
2. Reliability
More than 25% of all electrical interruptions are tree-related. Millions of customer hours are lost each year due to trees. Not only are power outages inconvenient, interruption of electrical service can endanger life through the failure of emergency or other electrical equipment. BC Hydro is committed to providing the best, safest and most reliable electrical service to homes and businesses in all parts of our service area.
Tree Control Pruning
BC Hydro regularly prunes trees that might grow into power lines. These trees are generally pruned on an established cycle. BC Hydro specifications call for pruning practices which will not only provide for safety clearances, but also are best for the trees.
Studies in arboriculture (the care of trees) have shown that certain forms of pruning are much less damaging to the health of the tree than others. BC Hydro has adopted a standard which calls for this form of pruning (known as "natural target" pruning). Initially, this may remove more of the tree canopy than some other methods and may appear excessive. In the long run, however, these practices contribute to better tree health and less severe cutting.
Tree Removal
BC Hydro is concerned with every large tree that might contact a power line, but is particularly concerned with "hazard trees". These are trees having weaknesses or flaws which make them more likely to fall than others. BC Hydro vegetation coordinators are trained to identify such trees. If a hazard tree is located on your property you will be advised and BC Hydro will assist with its removal. If requested, BC Hydro will also help with the removal of trees on private property which need regular pruning to prevent them from growing into power lines, or which might become hazardous at a later date.
Stump Treatment
When deciduous trees or brush are cut to the ground, BC Hydro would prefer to treat the stumps to decrease sprouting and avoid future problems - the "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" approach. Minute quantities of chemical applied directly to the stump can eliminate future regrowth, reduce future cutting and debris disposal, and allow natural low growing vegetation to thrive. BC Hydro always uses certified applicators to ensure safe and proper application. BC Hydro specifies techniques which minimize herbicide use and provide long-term solutions. These techniques reduce plant regrowth and further reduce the need for future herbicide use. BC Hydro always acquires permits for chemical use and never uses chemicals on private property without the property owner’s consent.
Alternative Trees
BC Hydro heartily endorses planting trees, and asks only that the customers be aware of the power lines and the final mature height of the tree when planting.
Professionals Working For You
BC Hydro’s Vegetation Coordinators are well qualified vegetation specialists, trained in proper pruning methods and are able to identify potential tree hazards. BC Hydro’s pruning work is done by contractors. Each contractor must have a fully trained and equipped staff. Their credentials and the safety of their equipment is checked by BC Hydro. The contractors’ workers are trained in safety and proper pruning techniques. These professionals are your allies in maintaining safe, reliable electrical service.
BC Hydro does not wish to remove trees unless they present a potential danger to our lines. If you have any questions about the trees on your property, call your local BC Hydro office. The BC Hydro Vegetation Coordinator will be pleased to help you.
Download Pruning Near Powerlines [PDF 2.8Mb] for more information.
