Keep people and tools at least 10 feet away from powerlines when you see tree hazards to prevent serious injuries.
Call 9-1-1 immediately to report a tree hazard emergency. For other tree hazards, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Tree work near distribution powerlines
Distribution powerlines are high-voltage powerlines that deliver electricity to neighborhoods and communities over short distances and at a lower voltage than transmission lines. PG&E's distribution powerlines are usually on the top of wood poles. They are above communication lines and service drops.
Communication lines carry television, internet and phone services. These lines are maintained by each service provider.
Service drops are electric wires that carry electricity from the pole to a home or business. Property owners are responsible for keeping service drop wires clear of vegetation and dead or hazardous trees.
If you need to work near service drop wires, you can ask us to disconnect your electric service for a short time. To request a free, temporary service disconnect, visit Start/Stop Service.
We work year-round to keep these minimum clearances around distribution lines:
- 18 inches, or 1.5 feet, around wires in regular, non-high fire-threat areas
- 4 feet around wires in High Fire-Threat Districts, also called HFTDs*
*High Fire-Threat Districts are set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
In line with recommendations from the CPUC and General Order 95, PG&E trims beyond the minimum clearance distances to prevent vegetation from growing or falling into lines between annual cycles.
Tree work near transmission powerlines
Transmission powerlines carry electricity across the state to entire cities and towns. They are the highest-voltage powerlines, from 60 kV-500 kV.
These lines are often located on large metal towers up to 180 feet tall. Some are on wooden or metal poles.
We work year-round to keep space around transmission lines safe from tree hazards. The minimum clearance ranges from 4 to 15 feet, depending on the voltage of the line. Clearances will be larger in HFTDs, which are designated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- Transmission powerlines can sway in high winds or hang lower during hot weather from carrying heavy electric loads.
- PG&E considers this movement when setting safe clearance distances.
Visit Right Tree, Right Place to learn how to plant trees at a safe distance away from powerlines.
We clear vegetation around certain poles and towers. This includes some areas where CAL FIRE manages fire response and prevention.
This work may include:
- Removing vegetation and other flammable material within a 10-foot radius around the base of poles and towers, up to 8 feet above the ground.
- Removing dead, dying or diseased vegetation from 8 feet above the ground to the top of the lines.
You can learn more about tree safety work and safe planting practices by downloading these fact sheets:
Laws & regulations
PG&E performs vegetation inspections and tree safety work in proximity to our facilities. It is required by law and for the safe operation and reliability of our electric system.
General Order 95, issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), requires minimum clearance between trees and powerlines year-round. For safety and per CPUC recommendation, we trim greater clearances to maintain compliance as trees continue to grow. Clearances may also be greater in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTDs), which are determined by the CPUC. The clearances listed below are from Table 1 of General Order 95:
- 1.5-foot minimum clearance for powerlines using up to 2,400 volts.
- 4-foot minimum clearance for powerlines using between 2,400 and 72,000 volts.
- 6-foot minimum clearance for powerlines using between 72,000 and 110,000 volts.
- 10-foot minimum clearance for powerlines using between 110,000 and 300,000 volts.
- 15-foot minimum clearance for powerlines using over 300,000 volts.
GO 95 also requires the removal of hazardous, dead and sick trees and other vegetation near electric powerlines and poles.
Public Resources Code 4292 is administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). This law applies during fire season in areas where CAL FIRE is responsible for fire suppression and prevention. The law applies only to poles or towers with non-exempt equipment installed. PRC 4292 and the accompanying California Code of Regulations require:
- Creation and maintenance of a firebreak in a 10-foot radius around the utility pole.
- Removal of flammable materials, including tree limbs, within that 10-foot radius, from the ground to 8 feet above the ground.
- Removal of dead, diseased or dying limbs and foliage, from 8 feet above the ground to the highest point of the top of powerlines.
Learn more about the regulations under Public Resources Code 4292
Public Resources Code 4293 is administered by CAL FIRE. Similar to PRC 4292, this law applies in State Responsibility Areas during designated fire season. It requires:
- A 4-foot minimum clearance for powerlines carrying between 2,400 and 72,000 volts.
- A 10-foot minimum clearance for powerlines carrying 110,000 volts and above.
- The removal of dead, diseased and dying trees that could fall into the powerlines.
Learn more about the regulations under Public Resources Code 4293
Public Resources Code 4295.5 applies in both High Fire-Threat Districts and State Responsibility Areas. This law:
- Allows utilities to access private properties to perform tree safety work prescribed under Public Resources Code 4293, where land rights and express permission are lacking.
- Requires that utilities notify the landowner and provide an opportunity for them to be heard.
- Gives utilities full discretion regarding how much tree work is needed to keep its electric equipment safe. PG&E follows applicable regulations, standards and best practices when conducting tree work.
Learn more about the regulations under Public Resources Code 4295.5
Following the Governor's January 2014 Drought State of Emergency Proclamation, the CPUC issued Resolution ESRB-4. Under this resolution, utilities are required to take the following measures to reduce the likelihood of fires:
- Increase vegetation inspections.
- Remove hazardous, dead and sick trees and other vegetation near electric powerlines and poles.
- Share resources with CAL FIRE to staff lookouts adjacent to the utilities' property.
- Clear access roads around powerlines for fire truck access.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Standard FAC 003-4 is a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-approved standard and applies to all utilities across the United States. It was implemented to stop transmission outages and resulting blackouts due to vegetation contact. The standard directs utilities to manage vegetation clearances between trees and powerlines. This ensures the reliable operation of the transmission system.
The standard applies to:
- Transmission line voltages carrying 200,000 volts and higher.
- Certain lower voltage transmission lines identified as critical by the Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC).
Learn more about the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC)
Contact us
If you have any questions about our tree safety work, call us at 1-800-564-5080 or email us at treesafety@pge.com.
More information to manage trees
CA Fire Safe Council
Learn more about community wildfire risk reduction efforts.
Create a defensible space
Keep your property lean and green to help protect your family and home.