Published May 22, 2026
Tree work near power lines involves two separate authorities: the utility company controls the lines themselves, and you control the tree. This distinction matters because contacting an energized line is potentially fatal — it is not a job for homeowners or even most tree companies without specific utility clearance training. Our crew works near utility corridors regularly and follows strict protocols for what can be done safely from the ground and in the air. This guide explains the boundaries, the risks, and the correct sequence of calls.
What Duke Energy and Other Utilities Control
Duke Energy and other utility providers in Upstate SC trim vegetation that directly contacts their distribution lines as part of their vegetation management programs. This trimming is done by utility-contracted crews and is separate from any tree work you hire. If a tree branch is actively touching a primary distribution line, you should call Duke Energy (or your local provider — Greer CPW for Greer, Blue Ridge Electric for parts of Anderson and Pickens counties) before doing anything else. They will assess and may trim the utility side at no cost to you. Do not assume the line is de-energized because it looks unaffected. Do not attempt to move a limb that is in contact with a line.
What Martin Tree and Turf Care Can Do Near Lines
Martin Tree and Turf Care works in utility corridors routinely — clearing trees and large limbs that are near but not in contact with lines, removing trees with canopies that have grown adjacent to utility corridors, and assessing trees in areas with overhead utility infrastructure. We use aerial boom lifts and aerial rigging to control where cut sections fall. For trees with canopy extending over or near active lines, sectional removal from below or from adjacent positions is the standard approach. We coordinate with the utility company when work requires temporary de-energization of a line — not all companies know to do this, and it is a critical safety step for work within 10 feet of primary distribution lines.
What to Do When a Storm Brings Down Power Lines
If a storm drops a tree on a power line in Upstate SC, call 911 if there is an immediate hazard (fire, arcing, people near the line), then call the utility company. Do not approach the downed line or the tree touching it. Stay at least 30 feet away — downed lines can energize the ground in a radius around them (step potential). Do not drive over a downed line. Wait for the utility company to de-energize the line before any tree removal work begins. We will not begin work on a tree until the line status is confirmed safe — any company that starts without that confirmation is taking an unacceptable risk.
Tree Trimming for Utility Clearance
If you have a tree with branches growing toward utility lines and want to get ahead of utility vegetation management or maintain better clearance than the utility company typically provides, Martin Tree and Turf Care can provide directional pruning to redirect growth away from the line. This is ISA A300-compliant clearance pruning — not topping, not stub cutting. The goal is removing specific branches that are growing toward the utility corridor while preserving the tree structure and health. This is among the most common tree trimming requests we receive in established Greenville and Spartanburg neighborhoods where mature oaks have grown over decades into utility corridors.
Ready for a free written estimate?
We visit your property, evaluate the work, and gives you a written price before anything starts. ISA Certified Arborist. No pressure.
Get Free Estimate