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Trimming Trees Near Power Lines in Folsom
Need tree trimming near power lines in Folsom? A limb is growing toward the wires? Call (279) 256-3385. A local tree trimming company in Folsom will be booked to inspect the tree, and you'll get the right number to call about the line.
First, which utility serves your Folsom home?
Folsom's power comes from SMUD, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. It wasn't always a sure thing. Wikipedia notes that Folsom voters chose to join SMUD in the 1980s, while PG&E fought the move in court. Folsom rate-payers are now part of the utility.
That's useful, because the utility sets the rules for limbs near its wires. In Folsom, those are the utility's rules. Not sure which utility sends your bill? Check the bill.
What the problem looks like
- Branches brushing the lines that run to your house.
- A tree under the lines on the street that keeps growing up.
- Limbs that sway into the wires in the afternoon wind.
- Flickering lights when it's windy.
Trees growing into power lines can cause outages and other safety hazards. The utility says that if a limb is touching a high-voltage overhead line, do not trim it. Call SMUD at 1-866-473-9582.
Fallen wires are another story. The utility says to stay clear and not touch the wires. Call 911 first, then the utility's outage line at 1-888-456-7683.
The 10-foot rule for trees near power lines in Folsom
Here's the part that matters most. The utility says that if a tree you want to prune or remove is within 10 feet of a high-voltage line, call 1-866-473-9582 first.
The utility will come out and check the line at no charge to you. If clearing is needed before the work can begin safely, the utility does what it calls a safety prune. That makes a safe space for you or a paid tree pro to work in. Cleanup after that safety prune is your job.
So the order goes like this. You call the utility. The utility makes it safe. Then the tree pro does the rest.
What the utility does on its own in Folsom
The utility also trims trees near its lines. It checks its whole 900-square-mile area every two years, and every year in higher-risk spots. Its crews use ISA best practices, and contractor vehicles show the the utility logo and the company name.
If one of your trees needs work, the utility tells you in person or leaves a door hanger first. Your permission isn't required, because the law makes the utility keep its lines safe. Crews usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after the inspection.
How much room does the utility want? About 12 feet between tree canopies and overhead lines. Fast growers such as mulberry or eucalyptus may need as much as 20 feet.
What a tree trimming company in Folsom handles
The utility takes care of its lines. Your own trees still need regular care. A pro can shape the crown away from the lines, take out dead limbs, and plan for growth. That's the same cleaning, thinning and raising covered on the crown thinning page.
If the tree is a protected native oak or a street tree, the city's permit rules still apply. The city says a permit is needed when pruning cuts live limbs bigger than 2 inches or takes off more than 10% of the canopy.
Planting something new? Pick a tree that stays small. Folsom's Master Tree List shows mature size, so you can see how tall a tree will get. Before you dig a hole, call 811 at least two working days ahead.
Planting near power lines in Folsom
The utility has a few planting tips, and they're worth knowing before the shovel comes out.
- Never plant palms or redwoods near power lines. The utility says they can be extremely flammable if they touch a line.
- Pick trees that stay under 15 feet tall at maturity.
- Keep plants at least 8 feet away from the green metal boxes that hold pad-mounted transformers.
- Don't let vines climb the poles. The utility removes vines on each trimming cycle, and you can help by keeping them away.
A small tree in the right spot saves trouble later.
What tree trimming near power lines in Folsom costs
Limbs near wires cost more, since they take more time and care. Homeyou says palms, tall canopies and limbs near power lines cost the most to reach. It puts quotes for limbs over roofs and wires near $688.
| Item | Range |
|---|---|
| Trimming one tree, national range (Homeyou) | $212 to $688 |
| Medium tree, Sacramento area (Homeyou) | $437 to $649 |
| Very tall trees, 50 to 100 feet (Fixr) | $300 to $1,800 |
| Pay by the hour (Homeyou) | $86 to $148 |
The utility's free line check doesn't cost you anything. Cleanup after the utility's safety prune is the part you pay for.
Why call us for tree trimming in Folsom
You're juggling a utility, a tree and maybe the city. We can't fix that for you, but we can make the tree part easy. We locate a nearby pro, book the visit, and help you compare quotes.
How tree trimming in Folsom goes
- Is a limb within 10 feet of a high-voltage line? Call SMUD first at 1-866-473-9582.
- Call us at (279) 256-3385 about the tree itself.
- We find a local pro and set a day that fits after the utility says it's safe.
- The pro studies the tree and gives a quote.
- You decide.
Power line questions
Can I trim a limb that touches a line?
No. The utility says not to trim a limb that's in contact with a high-voltage line. Call the utility instead.
Does the utility charge to look at the line?
The utility says it comes out to inspect the line at no charge to you.
Who pays for cleanup after a safety prune?
The utility says site cleanup is the customer's responsibility.
How tall a tree can I plant near the lines?
The utility says trees planted near lines should stay under 15 feet at maturity. Palms and redwoods should never go near lines.
Can I plant shrubs by the green box?
The utility asks you to keep plants at least 8 feet away from the green metal boxes that hold transformers.
Is it PG&E or SMUD in Folsom?
The utility. Check your power bill if you're unsure.
Related reading: oak pruning, the calendar, and the Folsom home page.