Hot Report: Tree Trimming Laws and Programs

OLR Report 2011-R-0330 examines tree trimming laws and programs in Connecticut in relation to power lines.

The law generally requires the electric companies to get the consent of the adjoining property owner before trimming any tree that is on or hangs over a highway or public property, but provides mechanisms for trimming if the owner does not consent. The law also requires the electric companies to submit annual plans to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP, formerly the Department of Public Utility Control) for maintaining their systems, which include tree-trimming programs.

This report describes Connecticut Light and Power's (CL&P) plan and programs. The tree trimming programs are found in Appendix 3. United Illuminating has a similar plan and programs.

Under CL&P's programs, trees near distribution lines are normally trimmed every five years. Trees are trimmed to clear eight feet on sides of the line, 10 feet below the line, and 15 feet above it. Trees in areas subject to frequent outages are trimmed to greater clearance.

For more information, read the full report.