There’s really no other way to say it: trimming branches or limbs near power lines can kill.

If you look the other way, get distracted when deciding which limb to trim next, or lose your footing, you could inadvertently make contact with a power line. You might think you have a steady hand, but moving a few inches off course could be the last thing you do. No one is perfectly stable on a ladder, especially while working and handling equipment. Victory Electric employs tree trimmers to assist our community with trimming trees near power lines. This crew also works to reduce outages caused by trees. 

It doesn’t take contact with a wire to cause a fatal shock — electricity will jump to find the quickest path to the ground. Keep yourself, your tools and your equipment more than 10 feet away from lines. Did you know trimming within 10 feet in any direction of a power line is illegal? Only OSHA-certified line clearance workers are authorized to trim near power lines. When hiring a tree trimmer to trim trees in your yard or on your property, make sure the person you hire is certified to do so.    

NEVER attempt to clear the lines yourself.    

NEVER climb a tree with branches near lines.

NEVER touch power lines.

Contact with power lines could result in serious injury or death. 

Why is clearing important? Trees make our communities beautiful, but tree limbs and power lines are not a good combination. Victory Electric’s distribution lines carry high voltage electricity to our members’ homes and businesses and keeping the lines clear of trees increases power reliability and to protects our members and workers. Trimming trees also reduces safety hazards and electrical outages.
 
Placement Consideration
Members can help by being strategic with the location when planting new trees. The right trees in the right places help reduce the need to clear right-of-ways. Before selecting and planting a tree, remember to look up to determine where the tree will be located in relation to overhead and underground utility lines.
   

• When landscaping near right-of-way areas, choose low growth shrubs.    
• Plant smaller trees on right-of-way edges, 10 feet from power lines.    
• Medium trees need to be planted at least 35 feet away from lines.    
• Plant large trees at least 45 feet away from overhead lines.    
• Trees planted too close to power lines will always be a danger by unavoidable pruning of limbs to prevent interference with lines.    

Remember, you are required to call Kansas One Call at 811 or visit kansasonecall.com before any digging project on your property to identify any underground utility lines. Keep yourself safe by hiring an OSHA-certified line clearance worker to trim your trees near power lines. It’s the law and helps protect you. Trimming trees within 10 feet of a power line can be fatal or cause serious injuries. Call us with any questions about trees and power lines at 620-227-2139.