Trees and Powerlines

Tree Trimming
Understanding the risks

Trees add beauty and value to our landscapes, but branches growing too close to power lines can create significant hazards. 

  • Electrical hazards: When tree branches touch or come near power lines, especially when wet, electricity can flow through the tree and pose a risk of electrocution to who touches it or even gets too close to the tree.
  • Fire risks: Contact between branches and high-voltage lines can cause sparks or heat, igniting fires that may spread to nearby vegetation or structures.
  • Power outages: Tree limbs are a leading cause of power outages! Drought conditions cause broken limbs and dead trees in large numbers. During high wind events, even trees that are still very green can fall!
How trees cause power outages
  • Short circuits (electrical): Branches bridge the gap between wires, causing a short circuit and immediate outage.
  • Physical damage (mechanical): Falling limbs or trees damage lines, poles or equipment, which lead to outages and potential hazards for DPU's electric line crews and the public.
Identifying hazardous trees and branches

Though not all trees near power lines are dangerous, there are certain signs that indicate higher risk.

  • Large dead or detached branches
  • Cavities, cracks or rotten wood in the trunk or major limbs
  • Evidence of disease, such as mushrooms at the base of the tree
  • Trees that lean toward power lines or that have damaged roots
Safe tree trimming and maintenance

DPU’s tree trimming contractor, Southwest Fire Defense and Tree Service, removes hazard branches and trees throughout Los Alamos County. DPU’s staff actively inspects the overhead line sections on an ongoing basis countywide to ensure the tree trimming contract is as successful and efficient as possible. Community members who would like to report potentially hazardous trees may do so using the "Report Tree Branches in Power Lines" form.

Trim tree branches in your yard well before they are within reach of power lines. Never attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself. Trimming within 10 feet of power lines is extremely dangerous. Electricity can arc from the line to tools or branches even without direct contact! 

Before planting trees, consider the mature height and spread of the tree, and avoid planting trees directly under or near power lines.

Report branches in power lines

 

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