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Stay safe around trees and power lines
If you see a tree within three metres of an energized overhead line, contact BC Hydro to assess the danger
Certified utility arborists are at work in Cranbrook this month pruning and removing hazard trees near power lines.
Keeping trees well pruned and away from power lines will help reduce power outages and keep communities safe. BC Hydro’s vegetation management team regularly inspects trees and other tall vegetation growing under or adjacent to power lines to identify potential problems.
Trees can fall onto or grow into power lines, causing electrical outages, public and worker safety hazards, and even fires. We routinely prune trees that might grow into power lines, using proper pruning practices that ensure the security of the power line. We identify and – when necessary – remove hazardous trees that grow along our rights-of-ways and corridors.
Trees can be considered a risk if they’re too tall, if they’re diseased, dead or dying, or if they’re unstable, among other factors. Trees with branches close to power lines are affected by WorkSafe BC regulations.
BC Hydro works with certified utility arborists to safely prune trees adjacent and under our power lines. If a tree cannot be made safe by pruning, we’ll contact the property owner.
Before you plant trees in your yard, it’s a good idea to make sure the mature tree won’t grow into contact with a power line.
Tall-growing trees should be planted at least five metres away from a power line. If you notice any part of a tree or hedge on your property that’s within three metres of a power line or at risk of falling within that range, please call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376).
If you come across a downed or damaged power line, assume that it’s live and a danger. Stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a bus) and dial 911 to report.
Remember these three words to stay safe: Down. Danger. Dial.
For more information on electrical safety, visit bchydro.com/besafe. For more information about trees and power lines, visit bchydro.com/trees.
Lead image: Malcolm Graham, a certified utility arborist, takes branches off a tree on 14th Avenue South in Cranbrook on Friday, March 24. Photo courtesy BC Hydro
BC Hydro
