Landscapers and tree pruners risk severe injury when working too close to overhead power lines. A tree or cut branch can fall into a line, creating an electrical path to the ground through the worker and tree. This can be prevented by remembering these key points:

• Always be aware of your proximity to power lines – stay as far away as possible. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations require professionals to keep themselves and any of their tools at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Branches can conduct electricity. Check for power lines in or near trees before pruning branches.
• Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across power lines.
• Even wood- or fiberglass-handled tree pruners will conduct electricity if the handle is wet or dirty.
• Homeowners can contact Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or a certfied arborist trained to work near power lines for assistance pruning trees.

For work near underground lines, please call your state's locate service at least 48 hours before you dig. Using this service could save your life.

To help prevent future pruning, landscapers and homeowners should follow these guidelines when planting trees:

For more information on what type of trees to plant near power lines, download our Small Trees for Small Places booklet (1 MB) or order a free copy.