Tree Trimming & Power Lines

PWP takes precautions to trim trees around power lines in an effort to keep our community safe.

Tree Trimming

General Power Line Safety

  • In case of an electrical emergency, if you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
  • Always assume a line is energized and dangerous.
  • Never touch a downed or dangling wire, or anything or anyone in contact with it.
  • Use caution before lifting ladders to avoid accidental contact with power lines.
  • To report a power outage, or a power concern, contact Power Dispatch at 626.744.4673.
  • Never attempt to trim a tree near a power line. If you see a tree branch or limb that is dangerously close to a power line, call 626.744.7938.
  • To read more about PWP's electrical safety tips, click here.

Tree Trimming and Power Lines

Tree trimming is done by utilities to protect the electrical power lines. State law also requires utility companies to maintain specified clearances (depending on the voltage) between electric lines and all vegetation. Here are some additional reasons for pruning and removing trees near high voltage power lines:

  • Public Safety - to prevent injury to people climbing or working in trees adjacent to power lines.
  • Fire Safety - trees in contact with high voltage power lines can act as an ignition source of fires.
  • Reduce Outages - trees represent one of the largest causes of power outages in California.

If you’re a homeowner, here are a few ways you can help prevent electric outages, fire, and public safety hazards:

  • Plant the right tree in the right place. If you must plant trees near power lines, make sure the maximum mature tree height is 10 feet away from the closest power line.
  • Select trees that can grow to their full height without the need for frequent trimming.
  • Never allow children to climb trees growing near power lines.

Wildfire Mitigation Plan

PWP's Wildfire Mitigation plan, approved by City Council on November 18, 2019, provides information about the range of actions that PWP is taking to mitigate the threat of power-line ignited wildfires - this includes PWP's various programs, policies and procedures. To read the plan, click here.