PaulPollard
ArboristSite Lurker
Regarding line clearance, I've done some up here in Canada and the general rule is 3 feet of clearance around service lines and 10 feet from primaries and secondaries. Also, overhanging branches above primaries.
You also need to get the go ahead from the utility company in the form of a hold off or Do Not Re-energize order. The lines are still live but they won't automatically re-energize 3 times like they usually would with the auto-breakers. You would probably need to be a certified utility arborist or have one on staff to take on the work anyway.
If you get caught doing that sort of work without the proper paper work and something goes wrong you are going to be in a heap of trouble not to mention have a lot of angry homeowners flocking to your job site - or worse - an ambulance!
I think this is the reason only the big tree service companies land most of the line clearance contracts and the rest of the work goes to city crews or hydro crews. My own rule regarding working around hydro is just avoid it if possible, and never do it on a rainy or windy day - it's just not worth it.
You also need to get the go ahead from the utility company in the form of a hold off or Do Not Re-energize order. The lines are still live but they won't automatically re-energize 3 times like they usually would with the auto-breakers. You would probably need to be a certified utility arborist or have one on staff to take on the work anyway.
If you get caught doing that sort of work without the proper paper work and something goes wrong you are going to be in a heap of trouble not to mention have a lot of angry homeowners flocking to your job site - or worse - an ambulance!
I think this is the reason only the big tree service companies land most of the line clearance contracts and the rest of the work goes to city crews or hydro crews. My own rule regarding working around hydro is just avoid it if possible, and never do it on a rainy or windy day - it's just not worth it.
