{"id":6095,"date":"2023-04-25T07:10:49","date_gmt":"2023-04-25T12:10:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.emondagesbp.com\/arbre-pres-fils-electriques\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T13:50:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T18:50:34","slug":"tree-close-to-power-lines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emondagesbp.com\/en\/tree-close-to-power-lines\/","title":{"rendered":"When to worry about a tree being too close to power lines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whenever a tree has dead or broken branches<\/a>, it\u2019s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. An untreated wound can jeopardize the health of the tree and may even lead to its decay. Branches can also grow to the point where they pose a threat to surrounding structures.<\/p>\n

In that case, what should you do if you want to trim a tree<\/a> that\u2019s located close to power lines?<\/p>\n

Why you should clear tree branches near power lines<\/h2>\n

Did you know that almost 40 percent of power outages are the result of branches or trees falling on power lines<\/a>? Vegetation near these lines also poses a risk of electrocution and fire and may even cause damage to the power grid.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec makes every effort to clear away any vegetation found in the area around the medium-voltage lines belonging to its network. Because these wires don\u2019t have an insulating sheath, they are at a higher risk of short-circuiting.<\/p>\n

Who to call when a tree is near power lines<\/h2>\n

Although it\u2019s desirable to let our trees grow as much as possible, there always comes a time when one of them grows its branches a little too close to the power lines.<\/p>\n

\u00c9mondage SBP can trim trees near electric lines as long as the branches are at least three meters away from the wires. If the branches are closer than that, the law stipulates that only Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec approved companies have authorization to perform the trimming or felling work.<\/p>\n

If you have vining plants growing along the exterior walls of your home, make sure to keep them away from your power-supply lines. Even though these wires have a rubber coating, if it becomes worn, there\u2019s always a possibility that the wire could come into contact with a sap-filled shoot, resulting in electrocution. If your vines or other climbing plants are twisted around your electrical supply lines, don\u2019t do anything. Instead, contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Medium voltage wires: how to recognize them?<\/h2>\n

Medium voltage wires play a crucial role in transporting electricity from substations to residential and commercial areas. It is essential to know how to recognize them to avoid any danger during your pruning work.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit : Hydro-Quebec<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These wires are very easy to identify. These are unsheathed overhead cables, always installed at the highest end of electrical poles. They generally carry a higher voltage (between 750 and 34,500 volts) than the wires connected to your house.<\/p>\n

They are often grouped in bundles of three (three-phase) or in one (single-phase) and are accompanied by transformers, recognizable by their cylindrical shape fixed to the poles.<\/p>\n