In today’s world, both technology and nature are important. Trees provide us with clean air by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen while creating the perfect ecosystem for birds and other animals. Powerlines, on the other hand, provide us with electricity that powers our homes, devices and keeps us connected to each other. In fact, most of us wouldn’t know how to survive without this modern day technology.
When nature and technology collide, however, they can literally wreak havoc on your home and property while creating a hazardous situation that can cause harm or even death. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following guidelines on what to do when a tree falls on a power line.
Understanding The Danger
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the danger of a tree falling on a power line. Obviously, a fallen tree resting on a thin power line isn’t the aesthetic look you’re going for with your landscape. Not only that but a fallen tree on a power line will disrupt your electricity while presenting a variety of other dangers beyond inconvenience.
For example, trees can sometimes pick up electrical currents from a power line when the two touch or are in close proximity to each other. This means that the voltage carried through the wires can run through the branches or trunk of a tree presenting immediate and serious harm to people and animals who may come in contact with it. A damaged power line can also cause a fire that can spread to nearby trees or buildings.
Preventative Tree Care
Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can do to prevent trees from touching or falling on power lines. First, you should never plant a tree near a high-voltage transmission line. Doing so can pose serious threats like those described above. You’ll also want to inspect any trees in close proximity to power lines for any indication of failure. This includes broken branches, cracks or splits in the trunk, and a leaning tree.
Preventative tree care such a pruning is also important. However, you will never want to attempt to trim a tree near a power line on your own. Doing so can result in possible injury or even death. Instead, it’s important to contact a certified arborist to access the situation. At Westcoast Tree Care, our certified arborist is trained in proper arboriculture pruning techniques and take into consideration the species, growth rate and location of a tree in relation to nearby power lines. They will also let you know whether a tree needs to be trimmed or removed with the help of your local power company.
Fallen Trees & Power Lines
If a tree does fall on a power line on your property, it’s important not to panic. Instead, you should always contact a certified arborist along with your local power company. Each will provide you with skilled professionals that are trained to handle the situation safely. Never attempt to remove a fallen tree on a power line on your own. Accidentally touching a branch or live wire can come with deadly results.
In certain circumstances, your power company may be the only company allowed to prune or remove a tree depending on the situation. However, since it is your responsibility as a homeowner to maintain the trees on your property, you should always contact a certified arborist for preventative tree care services before limbs or trees ever reach a power line.
Westcoast Tree Care
If a tree or branch does fall on a nearby power line, it’s important to report the situation to Portland General Electric at 1.800.544.1795 and contact the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care. In case of life-threatening emergencies, never hesitate to call 911.
At Westcoast Tree Care, our certified arborist is experienced in safely removing fallen branches and trees from a variety of precarious situations. You can trust us to remove any hazardous threats safely to minimize any potential damage to your property while keeping you and your family safe.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tree care assessment with a free, no-cost, no-obligation quote, contact us at 1.800.767.8733 today.
