Tree Safety

Are you planning to plant trees, clear land, trim, or get rid of some dead trees on your property? If so, there are a few rules that will help you accomplish your task safely:

• Remember not to plant trees under or near power lines. A twig planted today could eventually reach 70 feet or more. When a tree reaches full growth, the branches pose a significant threat to power lines. If branches break during a windstorm or bend down during an ice storm, they can interrupt electric service for people along that particular line. Trees near power lines are also dangerous because they can become energized when in contact with power lines. Children climbing a tree are especially at risk of injury.

For information on the appropriate trees that can be planted near power lines, please call Union Power at 704-289-3145 and speak to one of our certified arborists, Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291).

• Always look overhead and to all sides surrounding your cutting site. Make sure the tree or branch will not contact a power line when it falls.
• If a tree does fall into a power line, or you come across a tree that has already fallen, do not - under any circumstance - attempt to remove it. Stay clear of the tree and the line and call Union Power Cooperative immediately. The co-op will send a crew to handle it.
• Keep yourself and any equipment at least 10 feet away from all lines. If you can't avoid a power line, don't do the work. Always assume that any overhead power line is energized and that by contacting it you could be seriously injured or killed.
• Wear the proper safety equipment including safety glasses and gloves.