Tree Growing Into Power Lines? Here’s What to Do
Trees near power lines are one of the most dangerous situations a homeowner can face — and one of the most misunderstood. People assume the utility company handles it all, or that trimming a branch or two themselves is no big deal. Neither is true. This guide covers exactly who is responsible, what you should never do yourself, and when to call Georgia Power versus a tree service.
Why Trees Near Power Lines Are Dangerous
A tree growing into or touching a power line is not just an inconvenience. It creates several serious hazards:
- Electrocution risk. When a tree contacts an energized power line, electricity can travel through the entire tree and into the ground. If you touch the tree, grab a branch, or lean a ladder against it, you can be electrocuted. This is a life-threatening hazard.
- House fires. A branch rubbing against a power line can arc and throw sparks. I’ve seen it happen to homes in Smyrna where a large oak limb rubbed a line for months before it finally sparked and ignited nearby brush.
- Power outages. Trees are the number one cause of power outages in Metro Atlanta. During storm season, trees on power lines cause widespread, multi-day outages across Georgia.
- Storm damage amplification. A tree already in contact with a power line becomes far more dangerous during a storm. High winds can snap the branch and bring the line down with it, or topple the whole tree across multiple lines. A slow-growing branch turns into a full emergency tree removal situation in one storm.
If you have a tree growing into or near power lines on your property, do not ignore it.
Understanding the Three Types of Power Lines
Before you figure out who to call, you need to know which type of line your tree is affecting.
- Transmission lines (high voltage). These are the large lines on tall metal towers between power plants and substations. They carry enough voltage to kill you instantly. If a tree is near one, call your utility company immediately.
- Distribution lines. These are the lines on wood poles along neighborhood streets, typically 30 to 40 feet tall. They are the most likely to have trees growing into them.
- Service drops (the line to your house). The service drop runs from the nearest pole to your house, connecting at the weatherhead near your roofline. Service drops carry lower voltage than distribution lines, but they can still cause electrocution or fire. This is the line homeowners are most likely responsible for.
Who Is Responsible for Trees on Power Lines?
This is the question I get more than almost any other from homeowners in Powder Springs and across Metro Atlanta. The answer depends on where the tree is and which line it is affecting.
Georgia Power’s Responsibility
Georgia Power maintains a vegetation management program for trees that interfere with their distribution and transmission lines. They are typically responsible for trimming trees within the right-of-way (the utility easement along the road). They trim at no charge on a regular cycle, usually every few years.
Georgia Power will trim branches back from their lines and remove limbs that pose an immediate risk to their infrastructure. They will not remove your entire tree, shape the tree for appearance, or trim trees near your service drop.
The Homeowner’s Responsibility
If the tree is on your property and growing into the service drop (the line from the pole to your house), that is typically your responsibility. You are also responsible for trees on your property outside the utility easement, even if they could eventually reach distribution lines.
If you are not sure which line is which, call Georgia Power first. They can tell you whether the tree is in their right-of-way or affecting your service drop.
What You Should NEVER Do
I need to be direct here. Trees near power lines can kill you. People die every year attempting tree work near energized lines. This is a “do it wrong once and you may not survive” situation.
- NEVER climb a tree near power lines. Even a branch several feet from a line can arc electricity in wet conditions.
- NEVER use a chainsaw, pole saw, or any tool within 10 feet of a power line. Metal tools conduct electricity. Even fiberglass-handled pole saws can become conductors if wet or damaged.
- NEVER attempt to remove branches touching or resting on a power line. If the branch contacts the line, the branch is energized. Pulling it away can cause the line to whip, arc, or snap.
- NEVER try to move a downed power line with any object. Stay at least 35 feet away and call 911.
- NEVER assume a line is de-energized. Even lines that appear to be cable or phone can run alongside energized power lines.
I’ve walked jobs in Hiram where homeowners had a ladder leaning against a tree with branches two feet from a power line. They planned to go up with a hand saw. I am glad they called us first. That is the kind of situation that puts people in the hospital or worse.
If a tree is touching or near a power line, call Georgia Power or a qualified tree service. Do not touch the tree.
Georgia Power’s Tree Trimming Program
Georgia Power runs a year-round vegetation management program across Metro Atlanta. If you notice a tree growing into distribution lines, you can request trimming by calling their customer service line or submitting a request through their website. They will send a crew to assess and schedule the work.
Their contractors trim branches back from the lines, usually creating 10 to 15 feet of clearance. They focus entirely on line safety, not the appearance of your tree. After their crews finish, the tree may look uneven or have a large gap on the side facing the lines. This is normal for utility trimming.
Georgia Power does not remove trees and does not handle your service drop. If you want a tree removed or need branches cleared from the line to your house, you need to hire a tree service.
When to Hire a Professional Tree Service
You need a tree service (not just the utility company) in several situations:
- Service drop clearance. If branches grow into the line from the pole to your house, you need a tree crew with line-clearance training.
- Full tree removal. If a tree keeps growing back into the lines every few years, tree removal is often the better long-term solution. Last year, we removed a large water oak in Woodstock that had been trimmed by the utility three times in eight years. The homeowner planted a smaller species in a different spot. No more power line issues.
- Post-utility cosmetic pruning. Georgia Power’s trimming often leaves trees lopsided. We do corrective professional tree trimming to improve the tree’s shape and promote healthier regrowth. Proper pruning cuts heal better and reduce decay at the cut points.
- Line-clearance certified work. Any tree service near power lines should have line-clearance qualifications, which means specialized training in working safely around energized conductors. When you call a tree service, ask specifically whether their crew is trained for line-clearance work.
What a Pro Tree Service Does vs. What the Utility Does
| Georgia Power (Utility) | Professional Tree Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Trims for line clearance | Yes (their lines only) | Yes (including service drops) |
| Removes trees | No | Yes |
| Shapes or prunes for appearance | No | Yes |
| Handles service drop clearance | No | Yes |
| Cost to homeowner | Free (within their program) | Paid service |
| Emergency storm response | Restores power lines | Removes trees from structures and yards |
In many cases, you need both. Georgia Power clears their lines, and then a tree service handles removal, shaping, stump grinding, or service drop clearance.
Cost Considerations
The cost of tree work near power lines depends on tree size, proximity to the line, and whether the job is trimming or full removal.
- Trimming a few branches from a service drop typically costs $300 to $700.
- Full removal of a large tree near power lines can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on size, access, and whether the utility needs to de-energize the line.
- Emergency pricing applies if a storm brings a tree onto power lines. During major storm events, demand surges across Metro Atlanta and wait times increase.
If Georgia Power determines a tree in their right-of-way needs trimming, that service is free. Everything outside their scope falls to you as the homeowner.
Prevention: Choosing the Right Trees Near Lines
The best way to avoid trees near power lines is to plant the right species. If you are planting anywhere near overhead lines, choose trees that stay well below line height at full maturity.
Good choices (25 feet or under): crape myrtles, dogwoods, Japanese maples, Eastern redbud, and smaller holly varieties.
Avoid near lines: water oaks (60 to 80 feet), loblolly pines (60 to 90 feet), sweetgums (60 to 75 feet), tulip poplars (70 to 90 feet), and red maples (40 to 60 feet). Plant these at least 50 feet from any overhead line.
If you already have trees near lines and removal is not the right option, keep them on a regular trimming schedule of every 2 to 3 years. Check our guide on the best time to trim trees to plan around Georgia’s seasons. If a tree is also growing too close to your home, that doubles the urgency. Read our guide on what to do about a tree too close to your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim trees near power lines myself?
No. You should never trim any tree within 10 feet of a power line. Even branches that look far enough away can swing into the line when cut, and your tools can conduct electricity. Call Georgia Power for their distribution lines or hire a line-clearance qualified tree service for your service drop.
Who do I call if a tree is touching power lines?
If the tree is touching distribution lines (the ones on wood poles along your street), call Georgia Power. They will trim it at no cost. If the tree is near your service drop, call a professional tree service. If a tree has fallen onto lines and created an immediate hazard, call 911 first.
Will Georgia Power remove a tree that keeps growing into their lines?
No. They will trim it back from their lines, but they will not remove it. If you want the tree removed, hire a tree service. Removing a tree that repeatedly grows into lines is often more cost-effective over time than paying for trimming every few years.
How close can a tree be to power lines before it is dangerous?
Any tree with branches within 10 feet of a power line is a concern. During storms, wind can push branches into lines even from farther away. If your tree’s canopy is within 15 feet and still growing, call for an evaluation before the branches reach the line.
Is a tree touching power lines an emergency?
If the tree has fallen onto lines, brought lines down, or caused sparking, call 911 immediately. If a tree has slowly grown into contact with a line and there is no active sparking, it is urgent but not a 911 situation. Call Georgia Power for their lines or a tree service for your service drop. Do not wait weeks or months. The risk increases with every storm.
Get Your Trees Cleared Safely
Trees growing into power lines put your home, your family, and your neighborhood at risk. Whether you need branches cleared from your service drop, a tree removed entirely, or a second opinion on a tree Georgia Power trimmed, we can help.
All In Tree Services and Pro serves Powder Springs, Smyrna, Woodstock, Hiram, Villa Rica, and communities across Metro Atlanta. We are licensed, insured, and our crews are trained to work safely near power lines. I walk every job personally and give you a straight answer about what needs to happen.
Call (470) 608-2545 or contact us to schedule a free evaluation. Do not wait for the next storm to find out the hard way.