Trees And Powerlines
Do trees planted near powerlines pose a danger?
It is dangerous to plant trees near powerlines. It is important that tree branches do not touch power lines as this can cause an accident, fire or electrocution. A tree risk assessment can help homeowners determine whether a particular tree poses a danger.
What happens if a tree touches a power line?
Even though power lines are protected by insulation from accidents, fires and electrocutions still occur. Trees don’t conduct electricity naturally, so a few twigs are unlikely to cause an electrical disaster. As the tree gets closer to power lines, the danger increases. Another factor is the possibility that the tree could be knocked against the powerline due to bad weather. A damaged wire could spark lightning, igniting a nearby tree or home.
Another risk factor is the water content in and around the tree trunk. Water reserves may be hidden beneath many trees that homeowners are unaware of. Water conducts electrical currents, increasing the risk of a power spike that can cause the tree to catch fire. Electrical surges can ignite a fire inside a tree by carrying electricity down from the branches. People can also be electrocuted by trees …