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A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM OF PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
Planting YourSafeTree!
Information from the SafeTree Program
 
q:
 There are so many wires on a utility pole —which ones are dangerous?
a:
A typical power pole construction includestwo cross arms which support powerlines.Powerlines carrying the greatest voltage are always con-nected to the highest cross arm.However,high-voltage lines are not present on all power poles.Lines that may be strung on a power pole include:Primary:High-Voltage Lines distributing between750 volts or more.Secondary:Low-Voltage Linesdistributing less than 750 volts.CommunicationLines:Telephone and Cable TV (not hazardous).
q:
Why are trees hazardous if they touchpower lines?
a:
If trees come in contact with power lines,this may result in:•power surges or outages in homes near the treesand/or in the surrounding neighborhood andbeyond;•danger for people,including children who climbtrees and workers who maintain trees and over-head utilities;and•potential for fire and property damage. Trees that fall due to windstorms,especially whenthe ground is saturated with water,can cause signifi-cant damage to life and property.Energized linescan also be brought down to the ground whentrees fall or drop large branches.Remember,NEVER TOUCH DOWNED ELECTRIC LINES and CALL yourlocal utility immediately to report a downed line.
SafeTree’sfre
 
q:
I have trees on my property with branchesthat I think may be growing too close to the high-voltage power lines.Do I have to call PG&E? Can’tI just trim them myself?
a:
You should NOT try to trim trees near powerlines yourself.Touching power lines or anything thatcomes into contact with the power lines (like apruning tool) could kill you.It is also a crime to erectany structure,move any ladder,or operate anyequipment within 6 feet of high voltage powerlines.Only qualified line-clearance tree trimmers shouldwork within 10 feet of high voltage power lines.
q:
What kind of tree can I safely plant under apower line?
a:
 To really eliminate possible contact betweentrees and overhead electric wires,only trees whosemature height and spread will not grow closer than10 feet to the wires should be considered.A localarborist or tree supplier should be able to help sug-gest plant species that are appropriate to plantunder power lines.Check out the “List of Safe Trees”at www.safetree.net or go to the Selectree for Cali-fornia website at www.selectree.cagr.calpoly.edu.
q:
If a tree is growing into a power line,whycan’t I just cut off the top straight across? Won’tthat solve the problem?
a:
Bad idea! With “round-over”or “topping”methods of tree-trimming,all tree limbs are cutback to stubs or small branches,eliminating foliageand buds containing next season's growth.Thisstimulates the production of vigorous,crowded,poorly tapered and weakly attached shoots,alsocalled water-sprouts.The cut stubs are prone todecay and the water-sprouts are susceptible tobreakage.Round-over and topping can weakentrees and make them less resistant to pest prob-lems,while destroying their natural structure andaesthetic value.
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