[CANUFNET] Tree Clearance around Overhead Utilities

[Calvin Wagner]

Hi Jessika,

On the west coast, BC Hydro provides guidelines for planting near power lines and transformer boxes, along with recommended species depending on which type of line is overhead.

planting-near-powerlines.pdf<https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/corporate/safety/planting-near-powerlines.pdf>

In terms of tree protection: Langford has exemptions within our tree bylaw to allow for the pruning or removal of trees pursuant to the Hydro and Power Authority Act, which allows BC Hydro to maintain adequate clearance without risk of violating municipal bylaw. This work is done by contracted tree care companies with Certified Utility Arborists to ensure proper health and safety protocols are being met. It's near impossible to battle against electrical utility providers due to the necessity of their services in comparison to the urban forest and canopy coverage.

Regards,

Calvin Wagner
Technical Field Arborist
City of Langford
t 2504787882
Please review our email privacy policy at langford.ca/privacypolicy<https://langford.ca/privacypolicy>

From: CANUFNET <canufnet-bounces at list.web.net> On Behalf Of Corkum-Gorrill, Jessika via CANUFNET
Sent: March 27, 2025 4:17 AM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network <canufnet at list.web.net>
Cc: Corkum-Gorrill, Jessika <jcorkumgorrill at charlottetown.ca>
Subject: [CANUFNET] Tree Clearance around Overhead Utilities

Hello,

PEI still has mainly overhead power lines with few buried underground. With increased intense storms and power outages, our local utility is working to increase tree clearances around power lines. Communication delivered across the province from the electrical utility company requests that all trees be planted 45ft from overhead power lines. They are also working to increase clearances of existing trees/natural areas near lines. In urban areas, tree removals even 1/3 of the distance above would be detrimental to our already shrinking tree canopy.

Can anyone in this group speak to or share your bylaws or regulations for municipally owned tree protection, clearances, pruning, removals, planting near overhead utilities (in an urban setting)? Also, any input on ensuring occupational health and safety considerations for utility workers and how that relates to proximity of trees to the lines would be welcomed as well.

Many thanks!
Jessika

Jessika Corkum-Gorrill
Manager, Environment and Sustainability

City of Charlottetown
PO Box 98, 199 Queen Street
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canada, C1A 7K2
Office: 902.629.4122

jcorkumgorrill at charlottetown.ca<mailto:jcorkumgorrill at charlottetown.ca>
www.charlottetown.ca<http://www.charlottetown.ca/>




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