Trees and Your Electric Service

Diseased or overgrown trees can damage power lines and lead to outages. To ensure reliable service, we have extensive tree pruning and removal programs in place, but you may also be responsible for the upkeep of any vegetation near power lines on your property. Learn to identify the two types of power lines we use and be sure to follow our guidelines for planting and maintaining vegetation accordingly.

Distribution Lines

The wooden poles that run along roads and connect to homes and businesses are called distribution lines. These lines power our everyday lives, but can be damaged by improperly planted or weakened trees. Closely monitor the growth of any trees near distribution lines on your property.
For more information:

• Important Information about Trees and Your Electric Service
• Planting Around Power Lines
• Identifying and Reporting Invasive Insects

Transmission Lines

Transmission lines are large wooden or steel poles that transfer high-voltage power, and often run across the landscape or behind homes. Because these lines carry such high voltages, National Grid has established rights of way (ROWs) where vegetation growth around transmission lines is strictly regulated to prevent damage. If you have transmission lines on your property, you can find more about our operational programs and your responsibilities below:

Information for Landowners Along our Transmission Lines

Pennsylvania State's Research on Vegetation Management on ROWs