What are the rules regarding trees and electrical wires? Most homeowners know that allowing their trees to grow close to wires or electricity lines is a major no-no, but it can be difficult to find clear guidelines to comply with such an important rule.
This article will discuss what you need to consider about electrical wires at each stage of a plant’s life, from planting to full growth. We’ll also go over what to do and who to call if you notice that the branches of your evergreens are getting close to electrical lines. Keep yourself safe, take precautions, and enjoy your homes far enough away from electrical wires. Let’s get started.
- Planting Trees on your Property
Planting a tree on your property can be a fun activity for the whole family, but it’s important to take a few safety precautions to ensure that everything is set up in a way that will ensure its long-term safety. Don’t ever plant a tree directly beneath an overhead electricity wire. If your property is close to cables or lines, you should only plant trees that will reach a maximum height of 15 feet. And if you want to plant a tree taller than 15 feet, it must be at least 50 yards from any utility poles in any direction.
- Trimming your Trees
The branches of your tree should never come closer than 10 feet to the cables. If you have trees on your property that are within 50 feet of power lines (even if they are 15 feet or shorter), it is suggested that you have them trimmed annually or more frequently if the tree is young.
- If Your Tree is Touching the Electrical Line
This draws us to our next point: if your trees are touching cables, do not approach them and under no circumstances attempt to prune the branches yourself. Trees touching residential power lines are extremely dangerous, as they can cause electrical outages, electric shocks, and even fires.
The Risk of Electrocution When Working Near Power Lines
DIY enthusiasts should know the inherent dangers of working in these areas. Electrocution could occur if you accidentally touched an electrical line while using a pole pruner (you might not see the second line in the tree canopy until it’s too late). If the electric shock doesn’t kill you, the fall probably will, and that’s why you should never climb a tree or a ladder.
Contact a professional to schedule your plant assessment if you have an evergreen near the cable or utility pole diagram that needs to be removed. Also, you can contact us at Electricians Service Team for immediate professional services.
Remember that removing any plants near an energy wiring can take significantly longer than other plant removals due to the dangerous nature of the work involved. We hope this article clarifies why removing high-voltage power lines in the backyard or front yard may take longer.
Are Homes Near Power Lines Safe To Purchase?
Houses near power lines are not exceptional. Some homeowners, however, worry about getting a house near power lines or towers. Concerns about using electricity safely are at the root of this hesitation. But should we be worried about these things? What is a safe distance to live from power lines? Read on to learn about some dangers you might face if you buy a home near electrical cables.
The risks of purchasing a home close to live power cords
The following are the most important safety considerations to keep in mind if you’re planning to live near electricity wires or got a transmission tower near your house:
- FIRE AND ELECTROCUTION
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- Cables tend to sag lower than usual in high demand, extreme heat, or fire. Since this lowers the vehicle’s clearance from the ground, low power lines in backyards pose a greater risk of electrocution and fire. Pruning trees close to cable lines is essential if your home is located near a power grid.
- BUZZING SOUNDS
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- There is typically a buzzing noise from overhead the cable cords, especially high-tension lines. On occasion, a bluish light will appear alongside the noise. In contrast, the noise will not be perceptible or disruptive if the cables are mounted to a sufficient height. The buzzing sound and the bluish light are fortunately harmless.
- RADIATION EXPOSURE (ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS)
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- Science has proven that everyone is exposed to radiation. Electrical appliances and home wiring both produce very low-frequency radiation. As a result, they are used extensively, although they are associated with a low risk to human health.
What is a home’s appropriate distance from electricity lines? Living within the safe zone, away from the power lines in backyards, is recommended to avoid the risks mentioned. The answer to how far away depends on whether the lines are high-voltage.
As an illustration, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are more strongly radiated by high-voltage wirings than low-voltage ones. That’s why it’s important to think about how far away the utility pole is in your backyard. A stronger magnetic field is experienced when closer to the lines, and vice versa.
Purchasing property near a high-voltage power line in a backyard unquestionably increases the risk of radiation exposure. Fortunately, most electrical lines in neighborhoods and streets are low voltage, so the amount of radiation they emit is minimal.
However, it must be said that the studies supporting this proximity claim are not rock solid. They do not provide convincing evidence linking electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and disease, especially cancer. The claims that exposure to electrical poles in backyard fields causes cancer have also been refuted by a separate study conducted by the American Physical Society.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Near Power Lines
While there are pros and cons to living near electrical lines, many people focus on the negatives here. While the negative aspects of electrical lines are difficult to ignore, the benefits of living near them may be well worth it to a homebuyer in some cases. Is it bad to have power lines in your backyard? Not necessarily; however, they can be a little disadvantageous compared to homes with no electric poles in their backyard.
Pros
- They reduce the overall cost of owning a home. Those who have financial difficulties affording a home in a more desirable area may find that homes in areas with an electricity pole in backyards are more within their price range.
- There will be fewer competitors. Homes located close to electrical wirings may appeal more to buyers in today’s competitive real estate market. If it means avoiding a bidding war, living with some unsightly power lines is a small price to pay.
- Avoid paying expensive HOA dues. Older neighborhoods, which often have lower HOA fees than newer ones, are more likely to have power lines than the latter. It’s possible that not having to pay HOA dues indefinitely would be welcome news to anyone trying to cut back on housing expenses.
Cons
- Property values will be lower. If you have an accurate A-type investor mindset, you might miss the negative impact that energy lines have on property values.
- They lack aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, electrical lines tend to obscure otherwise pleasant scenery.
- Health issues affect people. Many people worry that electrical wires’ electromagnetic radiation causes cancer. These concerns have been extremely detrimental to property values, although scientific research has yet to confirm these claims.
- There are limitations. You must account for cable lines when designing your garden or building. If an electricity wire crosses your land, you might have to adjust your plans for the land inconveniently.
- Noise can be a problem. It’s possible that buying a house too close to wirings will subject you to constant humming.
The Possibility of Moving Electrical Wiring on Property
Moving power lines on a property is a breeze if you know what you’re doing. A person cannot merely grab a shovel and begin digging to locate underground cables that they can independently relocate. While you may be excavating on your land, you must follow precautions and laws to avoid damaging any buried utilities.
Can you move power lines in your backyard? The first step is to reach out to professionals and have your area assessed by experts. After that, they will mark those areas and notify you if you can get them relocated and how much does it cost to move power lines.
If you are wondering how to get a power company to move the power line, you may reach out to us here at the Electricians Service Team for property safety inspections. We guarantee that your electrical system is safe to use and long-lasting. Worried about how much does it cost to move a power line? Don’t fret, as we guarantee budget-friendly rates. Schedule an appointment with our certified electricians now.
