Tree Trimming Service
NRLP will trim trees, branches and other vegetation near power lines as necessary to prevent outages and damage to the lines that could create a risk of electrical hazard.
Why We Trim Trees
Trees and vegetation are one of the leading causes of power outages in our area. Often, branches or trees that grow too close to power lines can cause outages and damage equipment as well as create dangerous situations during storms. NRLP has a dedicated vegetation management team that follows a routine, prioritized plan.
Routine vegetation management helps us:
- Reduce power outages and maintain high reliability
- Improve public safety
- Protect electrical infrastructure
- Allow our crews to safely access and maintain equipment
By trimming vegetation before problems occur, we can help provide more reliable electric service for everyone.
What We Maintain
Primary Power Lines
Our primary responsibility is maintaining safe clearance around primary power lines.
Primary lines carry high-voltage electricity from a substation to neighborhood transformers. These lines are located about 30 feet high and appear metallic in color because they are uninsulated.
Primary lines are part of the distribution system and operate at much higher voltages than the lines that are connected to and serve homes and businesses.
To provide safe and reliable service, NRLP provides vegetation management around:
- Primary power lines
- Utility rights-of-way and easements
- Electric equipment that requires routine access and maintenance
We maintain clearances necessary to meet industry safety standards and support the reliable operation of the electric system.
Secondary Power Lines and Service Lines
The lower voltage lines that carry electricity from transformers on utility poles throughout the community are called secondary lines. These lines sit lower than the higher-voltage primary lines.
Service conductors, also called service lines, are the lines that deliver low-voltage electricity from the utility pole to homes and businesses.
While NRLP may occasionally trim vegetation around service lines when practical and possible, routine maintenance of vegetation around these lower-voltage lines is generally the property owner’s responsibility.
This allows us to focus our efforts where they have the greatest impact on system reliability for the entire community.
Request Tree or Vegetation Management
NRLP maintains vegetation near primary power lines to ensure safe, reliable electric service.
When safe, practical and appropriate, our team may also trim vegetation near secondary and service lines.
If you believe a tree or other vegetation poses a threat to power lines, please call 828-264-3671.
Our customer service team will create a service request, and an NRLP crew member will assess the situation.
Planting Trees
It is best not to plant trees directly below power lines or next to underground equipment boxes. Start planting at least 10 feet away from power lines and underground equipment. Choose trees and shrubs that are low-growing. Medium-growing trees that are 25 feet or higher when mature should be planted at least 25 feet away. Large trees should be planted at least 50 feet away from power lines and underground equipment. Trees that pose a threat are subject to significant trimming or removal depending on the impact to electrical equipment.
For more information on the best types of trees to plant in our region, please contact your local nursery or arborist.
For more information on planting and managing trees around utility lines, please see the North Carolina Urban Forest Council guide (PDF).