Summary
Tree branches touching hydro or utility wires can pose safety risks, cause service interruptions, and require careful management. This article outlines responsibilities for City and private trees, how to request pruning, and clean-up procedures.
Reporting and Requesting Pruning
- Contact Toronto Hydro to request clearing of branches touching hydro lines along the road.
- Toronto Hydro will:
- Determine if the lines are theirs.
- Assess imminent threats to public safety or equipment reliability.
- Handle non-urgent requests during the regular City tree maintenance cycle.
- If the tree is on private property near a hydro line:
- Hire a qualified arborist licensed to work around power lines.
- For other types of City tree pruning, see the related information link.
Utility Company Responsibilities
- Toronto Hydro and Hydro One prune trees to prevent contact with wires, which may cause:
- Power failures.
- Electricity flowing to the ground.
- Pruning is conducted according to good arboriculture practices.
- Some areas use Hendrix tree wire, which allows soft contact with branches; Toronto Hydro can advise on wire types in your area.
- Hydro wires are a safety concern if insulation is damaged.
- Bell and cable wires may be confused with hydro lines:
- Damaged insulation can disrupt service but is generally not a safety hazard.
Private Property Guidelines
- If a tree on your property is:
- Interfering with Bell lines:
- Contact Bell Canada if service is interrupted.
- Otherwise, contact a certified arborist.
- Interfering with cable lines: Call Rogers Customer Service.
- Interfering with hydro service lines (lines running to your house): Contact a certified arborist.
- Not interfering with utility lines: Contact a certified arborist.
- Note: City crews may clear phone and cable lines during regular City tree maintenance.
Post-Pruning Clean-Up
- For City tree maintenance by Toronto Hydro:
- Contact Toronto Hydro if brush is left from regular maintenance.
- Contact 311 if brush is left due to an emergency (storm, wind, etc.).
- For private trees trimmed during an emergency by Toronto Hydro:
- Clean-up is the homeowner’s responsibility.
