Search for your questions using the categories to the right. Don’t see it? No problem. Ask it using the “Have a Question?” button to the right. An Oncor representative will e-mail you, letting you know that Oncor experts are working on finding your answer. It’s just one more way Oncor is working to become a trusted adviser to the people we serve.

You can also visit www.oncor.com/trees for more information about Oncor’s Vegetation Management program.

1. Why does Oncor have to prune trees so drastically near power lines?

   Trees and power lines don’t mix. Trees touching or swaying into power lines could seriously hurt or even kill you, your family, your neighbors and anyone else who might come into contact with them. When maintenance efforts by a property owner does not help to keep a tree from interfering with service quality, Oncor then becomes involved in the process of maintaining the tree. Oncor follows generally accepted industry guidelines and best practices to have minimal impact on the health of trees pruned. Oncor’s standards are based on several factors: the minimum safe working distance for a utility worker, how much trees and conductors sway in high winds and the ability of limbs to break and fall on lines. Oncor can never prune enough to prevent all tree-related outages; however a well-managed tree pruning program can drastically reduce tree outages and provide a safer environment for utility workers and the public.

   Oncor’s goal is to deliver safe and reliable electric service to you and your neighbors. In order to accomplish this when pruning trees, we need to maintain a safe distance between your trees and our wires. Oncor does not prune trees for other utilities in the easement.

   -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

2. What options do I have when it comes to having my trees pruned?

   You should never get near an electric line or use any kind of equipment close to a line or attempt to prune branches near high-voltage lines.

   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, so you can schedule an inspection.

   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.

   You can avoid the expense and inconvenience of calling a qualified tree trimmer by never planting trees that could grow tall near or under the service line.

   -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

3. Can I request to have my trees pruned?

   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 see if an inspection is needed.

   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. Keeping tree limbs away from the service drop line is the responsibility of the homeowner. For safety reasons, 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. There could be a cost involved.

   In the future, you can avoid the expense and inconvenience of calling a qualified tree trimmer by never planting trees that could grow tall near or under the service line.

   -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

4. Why can’t I trim my own trees near power lines or hire my own arborist?

   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 request an inspection. If there is a fire or sparking occurring, call 9-1-1.

   A consistent source of shock injuries and electrocutions each year occur when people accidentally come into contact with power lines while pruning trees. Tree limbs in contact with power lines can act as conductors, and a person can be seriously injured if contact is made.

   -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

5. I am planting a tree, how deep can I dig?

   State law requires having underground lines located before digging 16 inches or deeper. Anyone preparing to do excavation work to dig around buried service wires would need to contact Texas’ underground service wires locator service by calling 8-1-1. It is necessary to contact them at least 48 hours in advance of digging to request service wires be located.

   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. For a large commercial or an industrial consumer, wires are normally buried in a trench 30 to 36 inches deep when installed, measured from the top of the conduit or service wire to the top of the trench.

   Due to subsequent changes in grade and or erosion, service wires may not be as deep as when they were installed. Always err on the side of caution by calling 8-1-1 before digging.

   -David R., Oncor Distribution Expert

6. In order to restore power after a storm, when Oncor trims the trees, will they come back and haul off the brush?

   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

7. I want to plant a tree along the border of my property, but there are power lines in the same area. Can you tell me what type of tree I can plant that won't interfere with the power lines?

   Oncor’s Plan Before You Plant 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. To view the brochure, click here. 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.

   Good landscaping frames your home, rather than hides it. 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. Good landscaping also utilizes shrubs and low-growing trees that are compatible with electric utility lines. Low-growing trees will not normally reach electric lines, and therefore will help prevent power interruptions to you and your neighbors. Trees can be a constant threat to safety if poorly located. For example, if a child climbs a tree with branches touching power lines, tragedy can result. Tree limbs in contact with power lines can act as conductors, and a child can be seriously injured if contact is made. In addition, trees planted too close to power lines are one of the top causes of power outages for Oncor.

   After you’ve selected a safe tree using the Plan Before You Plant guide, be sure to call 8-1-1 before digging to ensure all underline lines and cables are located.

   -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

8. I have been told I can't hire my own tree trimming company because it's against the law for them to trim due to electrical dangers. What can I do to get my trees trimmed? How does Oncor decide where and when to trim trees?

   Oncor prunes trees away from distribution lines to promote safe and reliable electric service. We determine our pruning schedule based on the reliability of the distribution electrical system. Sometimes events like major storms with multiple, extended outages may cause us to prune in areas not currently scheduled, in order to get power restored as quickly and safely as possible.

   Some people are tempted to prune their trees out of power lines or to hire their own pruning company. For safety reasons, Oncor asks that consumers or crews not trained by Oncor do not go within 10 feet of tree limbs in high voltage lines. A consistent source of shock injuries and electrocutions each year occur when people accidentally come into contact with power lines while pruning trees. Tree limbs in contact with power lines can act as conductors, and a person can be seriously injured if contact is made.

   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. Keeping tree limbs away from the service drop line is the responsibility of the homeowner. If the branches have grown near the service line, 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, 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. There could be a cost involved.

   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 determine if an inspection is needed.

   To report a tree within 10 feet of power lines that could cause a potentially hazardous condition like sparking, consumers should call the number on their electric bill to request an inspection. If there is a fire or sparking occurring, call 9-1-1.

   -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

9. The electrical line from the pole in the alley to the weatherhead on my house is rubbing against a substantial tree branch. I'm concerned about the line breaking in heavy winds. How can I go about having the line moved, and who would be responsible for the cost of doing so?

   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. For safety reasons, you should contact your Retail Electric Provider to request a temporary disconnect and reconnect before you prune the tree. 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.

   The second option would involve relocating the line, which can be arranged by calling your Retail Electric Provider. Many times this option involves changing the service from overhead to underground service, but this would need to be reviewed to determine what options are available for your location. Since maintaining a clear path for the service line is the responsibility of the customer, both options are performed at the customer’s expense.

   –David R., Oncor Distribution Expert

10. A recent storm knocked a tree into the power line that runs to my house. How do I get the power turned off to prune and then back on again? We don't want an extended outage.

    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. This allows Oncor to temporarily lower the service line to your home, thereby allowing you or the pruning company you’ve hired to safely trim the trees. After the work is complete, Oncor will re-install the line and reconnect the electricity. There is a nominal charge for this service.

    Typically it is best to call in these types of requests at least a couple of days prior to when you want to do the work. The agent should be able to schedule the disconnect and reconnect based on the times you are requesting.

    Additionally, if you see any hazardous conditions, such as sparking, arcing or burning near the line or in the tree branches touching the line, please call 911. Oncor works closely with local police and fire departments during such situations.

    -Ken K., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

11. Tree limbs are growing into and through the main power lines near my home. These are the pole to pole lines, not the service line. Will Oncor prune these?

    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 see if an inspection is needed.

    To report a tree within 10 feet of Oncor’s power lines (not the service line, which is your responsibility to keep clear), call the number on your electric bill to see if an inspection is needed. Additionally, if you see any hazardous conditions, such as sparking, arcing or burning near the line or in the tree branches touching the line, please call 911. Oncor works closely with local police and fire departments during such situations.

    -Rusty E., Oncor Vegetation Management Expert

12. Due to a recent tree fall, I agreed to after-hours labor charges, in order to have my service line disconnected and reconnected so I could prune. How and when will I be notified of the of these charges?

    First, let me clarify that Oncor delivers electricity and builds and maintains power lines, but Oncor does not sell electricity to you nor do we send you a bill. Think of Oncor like Fedex or UPS. We just deliver. You actually buy power from a Retail Electric Provider, or REP. So, if you have questions regarding billing or payment on your account you should contact your REP.

    Oncor passes charges onto REPs, which will then decide whether to pass charges onto customers. If you have questions about when the REP will pass these charges onto you, please contact your REP directly.

    -Mike M., Oncor Customer Relations Expert