Who Trims Trees Near Power Lines in Georgia?
Short answer: the utility trims only what threatens its lines. Everything else is yours. And nobody untrained should cut within 10 feet of a live wire.
Tree touching a line right now? Stay back, call 911 and your utility. See what to do when a tree is on a power line.
The quick answer
- Georgia Power’s contractors trim trees that threaten its lines. On service lines to homes, it prunes “on a limited basis,” based on inspections or customer inquiries.
- Examples it gives: limbs substantially rubbing on the wire or deflecting its path.
- Vines: its contractors will cut vines pulling down on the wire.
- You handle substantial tree work. Georgia Power says removing trees and limbs over 3 inches in diameter falls to the property owner.
- Cable and phone lines belong to the provider. Call them about those. We have not confirmed each provider’s trimming policy.
Who does what
| Situation | Who handles it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Limb rubbing or bending a service wire | Utility (Georgia Power, if it is your utility) | Use its vegetation management form or contact page |
| Vine pulling down a wire | Utility contractor | Report it |
| Limb over 3 inches thick near a line | Property owner, with a trained crew | Hire a line-clearance qualified crew |
| Tree trimmed so work can be done safely near the service wire | You, after the utility disconnects the wire | Call 1-888-660-5890 at least 72 hours ahead |
| Tree down on or touching a line | Utility and 911 first | Stay back. Do not touch anything |
| Cable or phone line in branches | The provider | Call the provider |
Source: Georgia Power, Land and Tree Management contact page. If your electric service comes from another provider, check its rules.
Why you should not trim near lines yourself
OSHA says line-clearance tree trimmers have “received specialized training so they can work within 10 feet of energized power lines and equipment.” Workers who are not qualified must stay at least 10 feet away.
That rule covers workers, not homeowners. Use the 10 feet as a floor. A branch can carry current to you or your ladder without the wire being touched. A cut limb can fall onto a line.
Do not:
- Climb trees that are near power lines.
- Use a pole saw or ladder near a line.
- Cut a limb that is resting on a wire.
- Assume a wire is dead because it is quiet.
How to get tree work done near a service line
- Look from the ground. Note which limbs touch or approach the wire.
- Contact your utility if limbs rub or bend the wire. Use its form or contact page.
- Ask for a service disconnect if a crew needs the wire off. Georgia Power asks for at least 72 hours’ notice.
- Hire a crew trained for work near lines. Ask if they are line-clearance qualified.
- Get the scope in writing, including cleanup and hauling.
When it is an emergency
A tree on a line, sparking, or an outage with a tree involved is not a trimming job. Treat the line as live. Call 911 and your utility. Then call a crew after the utility says the area is safe: (762) 470-0249, 24/7 in Rome and Floyd County.
Near you
This applies across Rome (30161, 30162, 30165) and Floyd County, including Lindale, Shannon, Armuchee and Cave Spring. The utility serving your address decides which rules apply, so check your bill. For routine trimming see tree trimming and pruning. If a neighbor’s branches are the issue, see overhanging branches and neighbors and branches over your roof.
Need a trained crew? Call (762) 470-0249.
FAQ
Does Georgia Power trim the trees on my property?
Only trees that threaten its lines. On service lines to homes, it trims on a limited basis, such as limbs rubbing on the wire. Other tree work is the owner’s job.
Who removes a big limb near the line to my house?
You do, with a qualified crew. Georgia Power says removing trees and limbs over 3 inches in diameter is the property owner’s responsibility.
Can I trim a branch touching a power line myself?
No. OSHA’s rule keeps untrained workers at least 10 feet from overhead lines. Call your utility.
Does the power company turn off the line so a crew can work?
Georgia Power can disconnect the service wire. It asks you to call 1-888-660-5890 and schedule at least 72 hours ahead.
Who trims trees near cable or phone lines?
Contact the provider. We have not confirmed each company’s trimming policy.
Does Georgia Power cut trees on my property?
Only trees that threaten its lines, and on service lines only on a limited basis. Georgia Power says removing trees and limbs over 3 inches in diameter is the property owner’s responsibility.
Will the power company cut down a tree for free?
Georgia Power does not remove trees that do not threaten its lines. Whether a particular job costs you anything depends on the situation, so ask the utility before you hire a crew. We cannot promise it is free.
Who is responsible for tree limbs on power lines?
The utility handles the line. If a limb is down on or touching a line, call 911 and the utility. The owner handles larger tree work once the area is safe.
How do I report a tree on a power line?
Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Then use Georgia Power’s outage and damaged-line reporting options on its contact page. The page lists no separate emergency phone number.
Is emergency tree removal near power lines free?
Generally no. The utility makes the line safe. A crew then removes the tree, and the crew charges for that work. Insurance may help if the tree damaged your home. See tree removal insurance in Georgia.
Sources
- Georgia Power: Land and Tree Management, Contact Us, read 2026-10-13
- Georgia Power: Land and Tree Management FAQs, read 2026-10-13
- OSHA: Line-Clearance Tree Trimming Operations, read 2026-10-13
Seven Hills Tree Editorial. Seven Hills Emergency Tree is a lead-generation service that connects callers with independent local crews. This is general information, not electrical or legal advice. Confirm rules with your utility.
