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​If tree branches have grown into lines in an alley, street or backyard utility easement (this includes all major lines except the service lines that go over your property from the pole to the electric meter or weatherhead), you should call the number on your electric bill to report the situation.
-Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

​It sounds like you’re referring to the service line. The service line runs from Oncor’s pole across your property to your home. While only Oncor is allowed to prune from distribution and transmission power lines, keeping tree limbs away from the service drop line is the responsibility of the homeowner. You should call a qualified tree trimmer or arborist to prune and remove the tree limbs from your service line. For safety reasons, especially if you will be doing the pruning yourself, you may want to call your Retail Electric Provider (using the phone number listed on your bill for a service order request) and arrange to have the service drop disconnected while the pruning is underway.

-Ken K., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

​The line that goes from Oncor’s pole to your property is called a “service line” and is the customer’s responsibility to maintain. As such, you may have a couple of options. One would be to trim the tree. The second option would involve relocating the line. For either option, you should contact your Retail Electric Provider to discuss your plans and determine how they can best assist.

​The Oncor Know Before You Grow brochure is a great guide to selecting the right tree for your property — one that doesn’t interfere with power lines at its full maturity. In general, no part of the tree should be within 10 feet, 4 inches of a distribution line. When planning your home's landscape, it is important to select the right tree for the right place. Because different trees have different mature heights, plan carefully where you plant each tree. Planting the right tree in the right place will enhance your property value and prevent costly trimming and damage to your home in the future.

-Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

Oncor will remove any tree debris created by us when pruning, including after storms. Following major storm events, debris removal may take up to several weeks, as our first priority will be to restore power as quickly and safely as we can to everyone affected in our service territory. While we will remove the debris we create, we do not remove debris from trees that have fallen over due to the storm or other reasons not-related to Oncor. If a tree falls, it is the resident’s responsibility to remove it.

-Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

​State law requires having underground lines located before digging 16 inches or deeper. Typically, underground power lines are buried in a trench 24 inches deep when installed, measured from the top of the conduit or service wire to the top of the trench. This is usually a 120/240-volt service for a residential or small commercial consumer.

​Some people are tempted to prune their trees out of power lines. For safety reasons, Oncor asks that customers do not go within 10 feet of tree limbs in high voltage lines. Except for the low voltage service drop line running over your property from the pole to the meter, Oncor arranges for trees to be pruned around its power lines and equipment. To report a tree within 10 feet of power lines that could cause a potentially hazardous condition like sparking, customers should call the number on their electric bill to report the situation. If there is a fire or sparking occurring, call 9-1-1.

​If tree branches have grown into lines in an alley, street or backyard utility easement (this includes all major lines except the service lines that go over your property from the pole to the electric meter), you should call the number on your electric bill, to report the situation. If the branches have grown near the service line running across your property from the pole to the meter, you should call a qualified tree trimmer or arborist to prune the tree limbs. For safety reasons, if you will be doing the pruning yourself, Oncor recommends contacting your Retail Electric Provider to request a temporary disconnect and reconnect. This allows Oncor to temporarily lower the service line to your home or business, thereby allowing you to safely trim the trees. After you complete the work, Oncor will re-install the line and reconnect the electricity. There is a nominal charge for this service.

​Oncor will remove any tree debris created by us when pruning, including after storms. Following major storm events, debris removal may take up to several weeks, as our first priority will be to restore power as quickly and safely as we can to everyone affected in our service territory. While we will remove the debris we create, we do not remove debris from trees that have fallen over due to the storm or other reasons not-related to Oncor. If a tree falls, it is the resident’s responsibility to remove it.

-Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert