Tree on a Power Line in Orlando? Who to Call First (and What Not to Do)
A tree resting on a power line looks like a tree problem, but until the line is made safe it is an electrical emergency. Lines can stay energized on the ground, the tree itself can carry current, and wet soil spreads it. No tree company, including us, should cut a tree that is touching a live line.
Step one: keep everyone away
- Assume every downed or sagging line is live, even if the power is out and nothing is sparking.
- Keep people and pets well away from the line, the tree, and anything either one touches, including fences and puddles.
- Don't try to move branches off the line with a pole, rope, or ladder.
- If a line is on a car with someone inside, they should stay in the car unless there is a fire, and call 911.
Step two: call the right number
Call 911 if anyone is in danger or a line is down. Otherwise call your electric utility's outage or emergency line. Around Orlando that is usually one of these, but check the name on your electric bill, since service areas don't follow city lines exactly:
- OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission) for much of the City of Orlando
- Duke Energy Florida for much of the surrounding area, including many homes in Winter Garden, Ocoee, Apopka, Altamonte Springs, and unincorporated Orange County
- Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) in Kissimmee
- Winter Park's city-owned electric utility in Winter Park
- Florida Power & Light (FPL) in parts of Seminole County, including much of Sanford and Lake Mary
Step three: call us for the tree
Once the utility has de-energized or cleared the line, the tree still has to come off your house, fence, or yard. That part is our job, and we take those calls 24/7. Utilities typically clear what's touching their lines and leave the rest of the tree, the trunk, and the debris for the property owner.
What about the line from the pole to your house?
The service drop that feeds your home is still a live line. A limb on it is still a call to the utility first. After the danger is handled, we can remove the tree and trim back anything else that threatens the line, working with the utility when needed.
Quick answers
Will the power company remove a tree that fell on a line?
Utilities generally clear what's needed to make the line safe and restore power. Removing the rest of the tree and the debris on private property is usually up to the owner.
Can a tree service cut a tree touching a power line?
Not while the line is energized. Only qualified line-clearance crews work near energized lines. Call your utility first, then a tree service once the line is safe.
Who pays to remove a tree that fell on my service line?
It depends on whose tree it was and your insurance policy. If the tree damaged your home's service equipment, your homeowners policy may cover part of the removal. Check your policy.