Distribution lines deliver power into local neighborhoods. Distribution lines are usually located at the top of wood poles above the transformer. We maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches around these powerlines in non-high-fire-threat areas. In areas designated as high fire-threat by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), a minimum 4-foot clearance is required with a recommended clearance of 12 feet at the time of pruning to maintain clearance year-round.
Our work near distribution lines includes:
- Notifications: As a first step, we leave a door hanger to notify you of upcoming safety inspections to identify trees that require pruning or removal to maintain required safety clearances over the next year.
- Inspections: Our tree safety inspectors mark trees that require pruning with paint using a dot at the base of the tree. They also look for trees that present a safety hazard and must be removed. These trees are typically marked with an “X”.
- Tree Work: Our certified tree contractors typically return within 4 to 6 weeks of the inspections to prune and remove marked trees.
- Wood Debris: When work is complete, we chip any wood that is less than 4 inches in diameter and leave the chips on-site. Larger wood debris is cut into a manageable size and is left for the customer to use for firewood or to dispose of as they wish. Wood or wood debris generated from vegetation management work legally belongs to the property owner.
Visit our Trees and Power Line Safety page for more information.
Example pictures of Distribution Line Tree Work:
