Trees Near Power Lines: Who Is Responsible for What

Understanding Power Line Safety and Responsibility

Trees growing near electrical lines present a genuine hazard to your home, your neighbours, and the integrity of the power distribution system. When branches hang over or touch service wires, they create a fire risk, a shock hazard, and a potential cause of power outages across your street. Many homeowners in Moncton assume that NB Power automatically handles all tree work around electrical infrastructure, but the reality is more nuanced. Responsibility depends on which part of the electrical system the tree is affecting and where the tree is rooted.

The electrical infrastructure serving your home consists of several distinct components. The high-voltage distribution lines that run along the street are the responsibility of NB Power. The service drop, which is the wire running from the utility pole to your home's service entrance, is also technically owned by NB Power, but the responsibility for vegetation management in that zone falls largely on you, the property owner. Understanding this boundary is crucial before you pick up a chainsaw or hire the wrong contractor.

NB Power's Role and Clearance Requirements

NB Power maintains the primary distribution lines and has a legal obligation to keep them clear of vegetation. If a tree or large branch is actively touching a live power line or creating an immediate hazard to the distribution network, NB Power will respond, usually at no charge to the property owner. However, NB Power's crews focus on their own infrastructure and typically do not perform routine Tree Trimming or shaping work on private trees unless there is an active safety emergency.

When you contact NB Power about a branch touching a service wire or a tree encroaching on their right of way, they will assess the situation. If the hazard is imminent, they may trim or remove the offending limb themselves. However, if the tree is simply growing close to the line without making contact, or if the problem is on your side of the service drop, NB Power will likely direct you to hire a contractor. This is where confusion often arises. Many property owners expect the utility to handle everything, but NB Power's mandate is to protect their own assets, not to maintain your trees.

Your Responsibility: Service Mast Clearance and Private Lines

The service mast is the metal pipe that extends from your roof or wall down to the metre and electrical panel. The service drop wire runs from the utility pole to the top of this mast. You, as the property owner, are responsible for ensuring that branches do not hang over, touch, or rub against this service wire. This is not just a matter of courtesy or aesthetics. A branch in contact with the service drop can cause arcing, which can damage your electrical system, create a fire hazard, and potentially injure someone who touches the tree during wet weather.

In Moncton, the standard clearance requirement is typically 3 metres (10 feet) from the service wire to any tree branch. This clearance must be maintained year-round, and it becomes especially important as trees grow and spread. If a tree on your property is within this distance, you should contact a professional arborist to assess the situation and perform the necessary pruning or removal. Ignoring this responsibility can result in service interruptions, damage to your equipment, and potential liability if someone is injured.

When to Call a Professional for Electrical Clearance Pruning

Not every branch near a power line requires emergency action, but every situation requires professional judgment. A certified arborist understands both tree biology and electrical safety. They know how to prune a tree so that it remains healthy while meeting clearance requirements. They also carry liability insurance that protects you if something goes wrong during the work. Attempting to trim branches near power lines yourself is extremely dangerous, even if the branches are not yet touching the wire.

Hub City Tree Trimming provides electrical clearance pruning services throughout Moncton, working with the understanding that every cut must respect both the tree's health and the safety of your home. Our arborists assess the tree's structure, identify which branches pose a clearance risk, and remove or prune them in a way that promotes the tree's long-term survival. We document the work we perform, which is valuable if you need to file an insurance claim or provide proof of maintenance to your municipality. If you have a branch touching a service wire or a tree that is growing dangerously close to your electrical service entrance, contact us at (506) 805-0418 for a free estimate.

Utility Right of Way and Municipal Permits

NB Power maintains a right of way along power lines, which is a strip of land where the utility has the legal right to access, maintain, and protect its infrastructure. Trees within this right of way may be subject to restrictions or requirements. If you plan to plant a new tree or if an existing tree is encroaching on this zone, you should be aware that NB Power may require the tree to be removed or kept at a specific height. The utility does not typically notify individual homeowners in advance, but if a tree becomes a problem, you will be asked to address it.

In addition to NB Power's requirements, the City of Moncton may also have regulations regarding tree removal or significant pruning on private property. Many municipalities require a permit for the removal of trees above a certain size, and an arborist report is often required as part of the permit application. This is especially true if the tree is a heritage species or if the removal is in a neighbourhood with specific tree preservation bylaws. Before you hire a contractor to remove a large tree, check with the City to understand what permits or approvals are needed. Hub City Tree Trimming can help you navigate these requirements and prepare the documentation needed for your application.

What to Do If a Branch Is Touching a Power Line

If you notice a branch actually in contact with a power line, do not attempt to cut it or move it yourself. Do not use a ladder, a pole saw, or any tool to reach the branch. Even if the branch is not visibly sparking or causing an outage, it is still a hazard. Contact NB Power immediately by calling their emergency line. They will dispatch a crew to assess the situation. If the branch is on your property and the line is the service drop to your home, NB Power may trim it for you. If the branch is touching a distribution line, NB Power will definitely respond.

After NB Power has addressed the immediate hazard, you should follow up with a professional arborist to evaluate the tree's health and structure. A branch that has touched a live wire may be damaged, and the tree may need pruning to prevent future contact. This is where Tree Removal or Tree Pruning comes in. Our team at Hub City Tree Trimming can assess the tree after an incident and recommend the best course of action, whether that is pruning for clearance, removing the affected limb, or removing the tree entirely if it poses an ongoing risk. Call us at (506) 805-0418 to schedule a consultation.