Line Clearing

Line clearing for trees and branches growing near power lines throughout Central Vermont. Clear back unwanted growth and keep the surrounding area open.

Line Clearing in Central Vermont

Trees do not stop growing because there is a power line in the way.

Branches can slowly extend toward the lines. Small trees and other growth can fill in underneath them. Sometimes a tree that was never a problem before starts getting a little too close for comfort.

That is something you do not want to ignore.

Snapping Turtle Tree Works provides line clearing throughout Central Vermont to help manage trees and vegetation growing around power lines. You can also explore our other tree and property services.

Every situation is different.

Sometimes a few branches need attention. Other times there is a larger section of growth that needs to be cleared back.

The first step is seeing what is actually going on.

When Trees Start Growing Near Power Lines

It usually does not happen overnight.

A branch grows a little farther each year. A young tree gets taller. Before long, there is much less space between the vegetation and the line than there used to be.

That becomes more concerning when wind or heavy snow gets involved.

A branch that looks fine on a calm day can move quite a bit when the weather changes. Weak or dead limbs can also break without much warning.

If you are looking at a tree and wondering whether it is getting too close to a line, it is worth having someone take a look.

Waiting for the branch to become a bigger problem does not make the job any easier.

Clearing Branches Around Lines

Not every tree growing near a line needs to come down.

Sometimes the issue is a branch or section of the tree growing into an area where it should not be.

In those situations, tree trimming may be enough.

The goal is to deal with the problem growth while keeping the rest of the tree when it makes sense to do so.

Location matters here.

Working around power lines is different from trimming a tree in the middle of an open yard. There is much less room for error and the condition of the tree needs to be considered before anything gets cut.

If the situation involves energized lines or work that needs to be handled by the utility, that needs to be addressed before tree work moves forward.

Sometimes the Tree Is the Problem

Trimming is not always going to solve it.

A tree may be growing in a poor location for the long term. It could be leaning toward the lines or have structural problems that make falling branches a concern.

There are also situations where repeatedly cutting the same tree back does not make much sense.

That is when we may need to talk about tree removal.

Removing a tree near a line requires a different approach than dropping a tree in an open area. Space is limited and there may be structures, roads or other obstacles nearby too.

We look at the whole situation before deciding how the tree should be handled.

Keeping Line Corridors Open

The trees immediately beside a line are not always the only issue.

Brush and smaller growth can fill in underneath. Saplings eventually become trees if they are left alone long enough.

That can turn a previously open corridor into a heavily overgrown area.

Clearing some of that growth can make the area easier to access and prevent smaller vegetation from continuing to take over.

For heavier sections of vegetation, another clearing method may make more sense.

Depending on the property, brush clearing or forestry mulching may be useful for dealing with the surrounding growth.

We can look at the area and figure out what type of work actually fits the situation.

Dead Trees Near Power Lines

A dead tree near a power line deserves attention.

Once a tree dies, it does not immediately fall over. It can remain standing for quite a while.

The problem is that it is not getting stronger.

Branches can begin breaking off and the tree itself can become less stable as it deteriorates.

Where that tree is standing makes a big difference.

A dead tree in the woods away from everything may not create the same concern as one within falling distance of a power line.

If you have a dead or declining tree close to the lines, we can take a look at its location and condition.

Storm Damage Around Lines

Vermont weather can change things quickly.

Heavy snow can load branches down. Wind can break limbs or cause an entire tree to shift. A tree that had plenty of clearance before a storm may look completely different afterward.

Storm-damaged trees can also be unpredictable.

A branch may be cracked but still hanging in the canopy. A tree can partially uproot without falling all the way over.

If a tree or branch has already made contact with a power line, do not approach it or try to move it yourself.

Contact the electric utility first.

Once the electrical hazard has been addressed and the area is safe for tree work, the remaining damaged tree or vegetation can be dealt with.

Why Access Matters

Before any line clearing starts, we need to see where the trees are and what is around them.

Some lines run through open areas with plenty of access.

Others do not.

The line might run along the edge of the woods or behind a house. Steep ground can make reaching the tree more difficult. There may be fences or buildings that limit where equipment can go.

All of that changes the job.

There is no one approach that works for every property.

We need to see it first.

Line Clearing vs. Regular Tree Trimming

The actual cutting may involve some of the same skills, but the situation is different.

Regular tree trimming might involve removing dead branches or managing a tree that has become overgrown around a house or driveway.

Line clearing has another concern.

The power line.

That affects how the tree can be approached and whether the work can be completed safely without involvement from the electric utility.

This is why we want to know about nearby lines when you contact us.

A tree beside a power line is not something we want to discover after showing up for what sounded like a basic trimming job.

Line Clearing Throughout Central Vermont

Snapping Turtle Tree Works is based in Northfield and provides line clearing throughout Central Vermont.

We work in Barre, Brookfield, Graniteville, Middlesex, Montpelier, Moretown, Northfield, Randolph, Roxbury and Williamstown.

Trees are everywhere in this part of Vermont.

So are overhead lines.

Eventually, the two can end up a little too close to each other.

If you have branches, trees or heavy growth around a line on your property, show us what you are dealing with.

We can take a look and determine what the next step should be.

Line Clearing FAQs

Can you trim branches that are growing near power lines?

It depends on where the branches are in relation to the lines and whether the work can be performed safely. We need to see the tree and the surrounding area before determining how the job should be handled.

What if a branch is already touching a power line?

Do not attempt to cut or move it yourself. Contact your electric utility if a tree or branch is touching an energized power line. Tree work can be addressed once the electrical hazard has been properly handled.

Does a tree near a power line need to be removed?

Not always. Sometimes trimming problem branches is enough. Removal may make more sense if the entire tree creates a concern because of its location, condition or growth.

Can you clear brush underneath power lines?

Depending on the location and conditions, we may be able to clear smaller vegetation and brush from the surrounding area. Heavier growth may be better suited for brush clearing or forestry mulching.

What if a tree falls on a power line during a storm?

Stay away from the tree and the line. Never assume a downed line is safe. Contact the electric utility or emergency services as appropriate before approaching the area.

How much does line clearing cost?

It depends on the trees or vegetation involved and how close the work is to the lines. Access can also make a big difference. We need to see the area before giving you an accurate estimate.

Have Trees Growing Too Close to the Lines?

Do not wait until a branch comes down to start thinking about it.

If trees or vegetation around your power lines are getting out of hand, give us a call.

We will look at what is growing around the lines and determine what can be done safely.

Snapping Turtle Tree Works provides line clearing throughout Central Vermont.

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