If a tree in Ontario, CA is within 10 feet of an overhead power line, do not trim it yourself and do not let a general tree crew work on it. Only qualified line-clearance tree workers may work that close. Call Southern California Edison at 1-800-611-1911 first. SCE trims trees away from its lines, and it offers a make-safe program at no cost that cuts the tree back from the wires so others can finish the job safely.
The 10-foot rule
SCE's safety guidance is clear. Anyone who is not line-clearance qualified must keep themselves, their tools, equipment and vehicles at least 10 feet away from overhead lines carrying up to 50 kilovolts, and farther from higher voltage lines. A pole saw, a ladder or a falling branch can conduct electricity. You do not have to touch a line to be hurt. Electricity can arc across a small gap.
What SCE does
California regulations require utilities to keep vegetation clear of their high-voltage lines, so trees do not grow or fall into them. SCE crews patrol and trim trees near its lines on a regular schedule. In high fire risk areas, SCE trims to maintain at least 12 feet of clearance at the time of trimming. It also checks tall trees up to 200 feet away that could fall into lines, and palms whose fronds could blow into them. Read SCE's vegetation management FAQ for details.
Service lines to your house
The line running from the pole to your house, called the service drop, also carries power. Trees growing into it can wear the insulation and cause outages or fires. Call SCE about any tree touching a service line before anyone prunes near it.
The make-safe program
If you want to prune or remove a tree near SCE's lines, notify SCE first. Under its make-safe program, SCE assesses the tree and removes the parts near the line, so a regular tree crew can then prune or remove the rest without working near energized wires. SCE describes the program in its pruning and removal FAQ.
How to report a tree in the lines
- Call SCE at 1-800-611-1911 to report a tree touching or close to a line, or a branch hanging on one.
- If a line is down, stay far away, keep others away and call 911 as well as SCE.
- Never try to pull a branch off a line, even with a wooden or fiberglass pole.
After SCE has been out
Once SCE has made the tree safe, we can prune or remove the rest of it away from the lines, grind the stump and clean up. See tree trimming and tree removal. Our team does not work within 10 feet of energized lines.
Planting near lines
The best way to avoid this problem is to plant the right tree in the right place. Keep large species well away from overhead lines, and choose trees whose mature height stays at least 10 feet below the closest line if you must plant near one. Mexican fan palms, eucalyptus and pines are poor choices under wires.
Fire risk
Trees in power lines can spark fires, especially in Santa Ana winds. Keeping trees clear of lines is part of fire safety for the whole neighborhood, from homes near Ontario Mills to the foothill streets of Rancho Cucamonga. Our guides on Santa Ana wind prep and defensible space zones cover more. Questions about a tree near your lines? Call (909) 479-2614 after you have called SCE.
If you are unsure whether a line near your tree is a power line or a phone or cable line, treat it as a power line and call SCE.
Common questions
Will SCE trim my tree at no cost?
SCE trims trees to keep them clear of its lines at no cost to you, and its make-safe program removes the parts of a tree near the lines so other crews can work on the rest. It does not do general pruning or removal for appearance. Call 1-800-611-1911 to request an assessment.
Can SCE come onto my property to trim trees?
Utilities are required by state rules to keep vegetation clear of their lines. In high fire risk areas, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, SCE has the authority to access private property and prune or remove vegetation as needed. Working with SCE on reasonable requests avoids liability for vegetation hazards.