As trees and other vegetation grows each year, potentially hazardous conditions can quickly develop if branches start to come close to power lines.
Whether a branch on the property has already begun to touch against power lines or if the conditions are in place for a storm to trigger damage, homeowners may wonder whose responsibility it is to deal with these dangerous conditions.
Read on for more information!
Location, Location, Location
The key deciding factor in determining responsibility is the location of the tree.
In Ottawa, Hydro One is responsible for maintaining trees and vegetation alongside roads for power lines that deliver power to multiple customers, but not for any trees or vegetation on private property. In these cases, the responsibility goes to the homeowner.
If you do notice that there are dangerous conditions alongside the road near your property, you can contact Hydro One and if the tree is determined to be their responsibility, they will send out a Vegetation Management Team.
This team will assess the following:
- Is the tree dead, diseased, uprooting, or structurally weak?
- Is the tree within 10 feet of an energized distribution primary circuit that will affect the reliability of our distribution system?
- Is the tree a safety hazard with the potential to cause an electrical safety concern to the public or deemed a potential fire hazard?
Based on this, a decision will be made whether or not to remove the tree.
What if it is the homeowner’s responsibility?
If the tree is on private property, it is up to the homeowner to manage the work.
In these cases, it is possible either to hire a tree services company in Ottawa or to take on the job oneself, using the necessary safety gear and taking precautions.
When working around power lines, it is always important to contact Hydro One in advance and organize a time to shut off the power. This is critical for avoiding the risk of any accidents with equipment or branches touching or falling on the wires.
If you choose to go the route of hiring a tree removal company, they will have both the equipment and the experience to know how to take on the job efficiently and safely. Large trees that are damaged or are decaying can be unpredictable, so in these cases it should always be a priority to bring in experts who are familiar with mitigating the risks involved with tree removal.
Be proactive with tree maintenance
The best way to avoid having to deal with power lines is to be proactive in trimming and maintaining your trees and their branches. This simple step can keep vegetation back from power lines altogether and avoid unnecessary dangers and hassle. Make it part of your seasonal routines during the spring or autumn — and as a bonus it will also keep your yard looking its best!
Got any more questions?
If so, ask us here directly at VS Tree, Ottawa’s tree services company any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
