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PG&E: Why We Trim Trees

Every day our professional pre-inspection contractors are asked,  

“Why does Pacific Gas and Electric Company trim privately owned trees”?     

There are several important reasons why.

 PG&E’s Vegetation Management Program is responsible for maintaining vegetation clearance of approximately 5,000,000 trees throughout its system.  Reasons being for:

¨    Fire Safety

¨     Public Safety

¨   Reliable Service

¨      To Comply with the Law

Keeping the power lines clear of vegetation prevents the potential for fires caused by trees or brush coming into contact with high voltage power lines.  PG&E works with the public, fire professionals as well as public and private agencies to constantly alleviate fire potential.  Working with the Town of Woodside, PG&E recently removed over one thousand potentially hazardous trees. 

Educating the public through personal contact, outreach to schools and partnering with communities, agencies and local government delivers the message that planting the right tree in the right place eliminates the need to constantly trim trees that encroach safe distances around the high voltage power lines.  Maintaining the required clearances helps keep people from being injured if they climb or work in trees next to power lines.

Keeping power lines clear helps keep the power on.  By allowing PG&E access to trees when trimming is necessary communities can rely on reliable service.

There are several state laws that require PG&E to keep clearances between high voltage power lines and all vegetation.   GO-95, Rule 35, Public Resource Codes 4292 and 4293 specify distances where clearances from high voltage power lines must be maintained.

Here’s how you can help:

¨      Allow PG&E access to trees when trimming is necessary.

¨      Don’t plant trees under or near overhead power lines.

¨      Never trim trees near power lines yourself.  Call PG&E first.